Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Status of the State Lawsuit Against Obamacare

Strategic Insights -

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi joins Martha MacCallum on Fox News Channel's America's Newsroom to discuss the status of the state lawsuit against the federal health care law. Bondi explains that Florida's lawsuit, led by 25 other states and the National Federation of Independent Business, has received a favorable ruling in the Northern District of Florida. The Department of Justice has submitted its brief, which Bondi believes relies on the same losing argument, and is set to be heard in the 11th Circuit in June. Bondi aims to expedite the process, hoping to reach the Supreme Court by fall.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is leading a lawsuit against the federal health care law, joined by 25 other states and the National Federation of Independent Business.
  • The lawsuit has received a favorable ruling in the Northern District of Florida, and Bondi has asked to be expedited through the 11th Circuit.
  • The Department of Justice has submitted its brief, relying on the taxing argument, which five other courts have already ruled against.
  • Bondi believes this is not just about health care, but about the federal government's ability to regulate and force citizens to purchase products under the commerce clause.
  • The 11th Circuit will hear the case in June, and Bondi hopes to reach the Supreme Court by fall.
  • Florida Governor Rick Scott has refused to take money from the federal government related to the health care law, along with other governors.
  • Bondi is aware of the political time clock ticking before the 2012 election and believes the states want to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Statistics:

  • 26 states are participating in the lawsuit against the federal health care law.
  • The lawsuit has been pending in the Northern District of Florida, with a favorable ruling already received.
  • The Departments of Justice brief was due, and Bondi's brief is due May 4th.
  • 5 other courts have already ruled against the federal government's taxing argument.
  • The 11th Circuit will hear the case in June, with the hope of reaching the Supreme Court by fall.

Sources:

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