Attorney General Becerra and Coalition of 17 AGs File Motion to Prevent Harm, Protect the ACA

SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing an expedited motion to prevent disruption to Americans’ healthcare and to challenge Friday’s opinion in Texas v. US, which ruled that that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was unconstitutional. Today’s motion seeks clarification on the impact of Friday’s decision and requests that the judge prevent any confusion about the opinion. The motion requests the court to make clear that the ACA is still the law of the land and will continue to be enforced and implemented by states, the federal government, and entities across the country until an order by the court expressly states otherwise. While the California-led multistate coalition maintains the position that the ACA is the law of the land, Friday’s opinion has caused uncertainty in the nation’s healthcare system that could harm people across the country.

“The District Court’s ruling poses a dangerous threat to the healthcare of millions of Americans. We’re asking the court to make clear that the ACA is still the law and ensure that all Americans can continue to access affordable healthcare under it,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Today’s filing makes clear that California and its partner states will do everything possible to challenge this reckless ruling that threatens the healthcare of Americans from California to Maine, risking the health of seniors, children, workers and young adults in every state in the nation. Our coalition will continue to fight to preserve access to healthcare, which is critical to the strength of our nation.”  

Today’s filing is a critical step in challenging Friday’s opinion. It requests that the Court provide clarity on its opinion and confirm that it does not change the status quo. Finally, Attorney General Becerra has asked the court to grant an immediate stay that requires the federal government, states and all entities to continue enforcing and implementing the ACA or, alternately, to certify the opinion, so that it may be appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals immediately.

A copy of today's filing can be found here.