Post date: Dec 13, 2010 8:45:7 PM
A Virginia federal judge on Monday found a key part of President Barack Obama's sweeping health care reform law unconstitutional. Jon Decker reports.
USA-HEALTHCARE LAW - In a major setback to the landmark healthcare reform bill that President Obama signed in March, a federal judge in Virginia on Monday invalidated a key part of the law.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson backed arguments by the state of Virginia that Congress exceeded its authority by requiring that individuals buy health insurance or face a fine.
The Obama administration has defended the mandate as permissible --arguing that the federal government has broad powers to regulate interstate commerce.
White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs saying:
"We disagree with the ruling. Obviously, the individual responsibility portions of the affordable care act are the basis and the foundation for examining and doing away with insurance company discrimination on behalf of preexisting conditions."
Judge Henry Hudson wrote that his decision -- the first judicial finding against the law-- will undoubtedly be appealed -- probably all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jon Decker, Reuters.