By Trimmel Gomes
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-949521.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A federal judge in Pensacola is now the second judge to rule that President Obama's healthcare law is unconstitutional. The news is a big blow to the administration since the judge ruled on behalf of Florida and 25 other states that sued to block it. Florida Public Radio's Trimmel Gomes reports the battle is likely headed to the nation's high court.
The stage is now set for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court since U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled that the entire healthcare law is unconstitutional. Florida attorney General Pam Bondi applauded the judge for accepting the state's argument that the new law violates people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties.
"We all know we need healthcare reform, this is not the way to do it, it's unconstitutional, it's a violation of our rights, it's about our liberty, it's about more than healthcare and that's what the judge said today."
Judge Vinson's ruling did stop short of freezing the implementation of the law as was requested by states. The justice department strongly disagrees with the opinion and a spokeswoman says they will appeal.