Today U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion for King v. Burwell:

“Nearly 6.4 million Americans across the country can breathe a sigh of relief today after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the validity of health tax credits for our hardworking neighbors who purchase health coverage through the federally run marketplaces – like in Florida. This decision will ensure Floridians and working families across the country continue to have access to affordable coverage options. The Republican-led lawsuit sought to unravel the Affordable Care Act as part of the GOP’s reckless obsession to block health care reform at every turn at the expense of millions of families seeking quality health care plans and financial security. 

“Today’s ruling is especially welcome news in Florida where health tax credits for 1.3 million Floridians were at risk. Floridians have already been subjected to Gov. Rick Scott’s political obstruction and scare tactics which are contrary to the best interests of our citizens and businesses. I have heard concerns from mothers, students and others who have been on the brink of losing the peace of mind and financial security afforded by health care coverage.

“The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land -- it has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in two major cases since the legislation was passed in 2010 and has withstood reckless and wasteful attempts by Republicans in Congress to repeal and weaken its provisions. I urge federal and state leaders to come together to sustain health care reform’s progress, which has drastically increased the number of insured individuals and families, implemented numerous consumer protections to put patients before the profits of health insurance companies and saved seniors money on their prescription drugs.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is a member of the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee and served on the subcommittee that authored the ACA. She was instrumental in crafting provisions of the law to benefit Floridians and earlier this year was selected by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to attend oral arguments for King v. Burwell because of Florida’s stake in the case and the state’s unique position in leading the nation with ACA enrollment.

###