FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 3, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
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AG STRANGE WELCOMES RULING IN HEALTH CARE CASE
(MONTGOMERY) – Today, U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson entered an order
that is expected to ensure that the States* challenge to the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) is resolved quickly by the Supreme Court of the
United States. Judge Vinson?s previous order declared the entire statute
unconstitutional. Today?s order stays that order for the time being, but only on the
condition that the federal government seeks an expedited appeal of this case, and does
so within seven days. Attorney General Luther Strange welcomed this ruling,
observing that “today?s order from Judge Vinson will help move this case along toward
an expeditious result, which is what the American people deserve.”
The order issued by Judge Vinson follows a motion filed by the U.S. Department
of Justice seeking a “clarification” of the court?s January 31, 2011, ruling that the PPACA
was unconstitutional. That ruling barred the PPACA?s enforcement. Alabama and the
other plaintiff states contended that the ruling was clear, and that the DOJ?s filing was a
stall tactic. Judge Vinson agreed.
The court chided the Obama administration for “ignor[ing] the order and
declaratory judgment for two and one-half weeks . . . and only then fil[ing] a belated
motion to Ñclarify.?” The court effectively told the Department of Justice that it had one
week to file a notice of appeal and to request expedited review. If it does not, Judge
Vinson will lift his stay, and the PPACA will again be halted.
“The court forced the federal government to end the delays,” remarked Attorney
General Strange. “The PPACA will ultimately be struck down in the Supreme Court,
and today?s ruling will help us get there faster.”
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
