Portman On Vinson Obamacare Decision

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) commented on Florida District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s decision that the Democrat healthcare law is unconstitutional because of the individual mandate. In January, Ohio joined with 25 other states as party to the suit.

“Washington missed an opportunity last year to truly reduce healthcare costs and expand coverage for Ohio families and small businesses. I hope that this judicial process will be met by action in Congress to replace the law with a more sensible approach that will provide quality healthcare, lower costs and expanded coverage for all Ohioans,” said Senator Portman.
Today’s ruling follows a similar December 13, 2010 ruling by Judge Henry Hudson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The big-government approach to our healthcare system is bad for Ohio’s economy, and I want to thank Attorney General Mike DeWine for ensuring the State of Ohio had its voice heard,” said Portman. “There’s a better way to reduce health care costs and expand coverage without making it harder for Ohio to get back on the right track.”
Last week, Senator Portman unveiled his first piece of legislation, The Job Creation Act of 2011, which includes a provision that would repeal the unconstitutional individual mandate, along with other job-friendly proposals like lowering payroll taxes to incentivize hiring, and reducing the deficit.
“This decision, following the Virginia decision and the decisive vote in the House of Representatives, makes it even more clear that Senate Democrats should allow a debate on whether to repeal and replace this law with something that actually addresses our rising health care costs.”