Beatty Blasts Ruling on Republican Lawsuit Against Insuring Pre-Existing Conditions and the Affordable Care Act

Over the weekend, a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas struck down the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA), ruling that the ACA's individual mandate is unconstitutional, and the entire law cannot stand without it.

The decision, handed down by George W. Bush-appointee Judge Reed O'Connor, was a result of a lawsuit filed this year by a group of Republican governors and state attorneys general—with the support of President Trump and his administration. Reacting to the decision, Trump said it was a "great ruling for our country," despite the fact that the healthcare of 20 million newly-insured Americans and 129 million individuals with pre-existing conditions is at risk as a result.

"For more than seven years, Congressional Republicans fought tooth and nail to dismantle and destroy the ACA. Now, they finally got their wish, at the expense of millions of Americans, hardworking families, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and young adults under the age of 26," Beatty said. "However, all hope is not lost." Beatty continued, "This short-sighted and misguided decision will be appealed, and House Democrats will move swiftly to uphold life-saving protections for those with pre-existing conditions, as well as strengthen the ACA, even more when we assume the majority in the House for the 116^th Congress."

Democratic defendants have indicated that they will appeal the ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. Ultimately, the lawsuit may end up before the Supreme Court for a final decision.