Feds announce intent to appeal health reform ruling

The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday filed notice that it was appealing the decision by a District Court judge in Florida to strike down the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, report the New York Times and Politico.

In the filing, the Justice Department asked the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta for an "expedited review" of the decision.

Earlier this year, judge Roger Vinson struck down the entire healthcare reform law, declaring the mandate to purchase healthcare insurance was unconstitutional, and therefore rendered the entire piece of legislation as vague. However, Vinson last month issued a stay of his own ruling to allow the Obama Administration to appeal the ruling, but required the appeal be filed within seven days. Implementation of reform is being allowed to proceed during the appeals process.

The 11th Circuit could hear arguments in the case as early as this summer.

Twenty-six states are suing to block the implementation of the law.

For more:
- read the New York Times article
- read the Politico article