New Federal Court Ruling in Favor of the Affordable Care Act

Judicial Scorecard now reads 3-1-1, Plus a Dozen Victories for the Act on Procedural Grounds

Washington, D.C. – Federal District Court Judge Gladys Kessler issued a ruling yesterday finding that the individual responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act is authorized by the “commerce clause” in Article I, section 8 of the Constitution. The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of the consumer health organization Families USA, about this development:

“The ruling yesterday by Federal District Court Judge Kessler is a reaffirmation that that the Affordable Care Act generally, and the individual responsibility provision of the Act specifically, is constitutional and will continue to be implemented across the nation.

“The Affordable Care Act, which is already providing substantial help to seniors, young adults, small businesses, children with pre-existing conditions, and many others, remains the law of the land thanks to court decisions and actions in the Congress that have stymied the politically motivated challenges to the legislation.

“With respect to court challenges, the judicial scoreboard now tallies three full substantive victories for the Act, one partial victory-partial loss, and one defeat— plus a dozen procedural victories.

“In Congress, the Senate clearly rejected Republicans’ efforts to repeal the legislation.

“Our nation’s families can be gratified that the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land, and, as more of its provisions are implemented, it will move us closer and closer to high-quality, affordable health coverage and care for all Americans.”

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Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is nonprofit and nonpartisan and advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100 · Washington, DC 20005
202-628-3030 · Email: info@familiesusa.org · www.familiesusa.org