Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) voted to protect the Affordable Care Act and coverage of preexisting conditions following the Texas v. United States court ruling, which declared the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional. The measure, which passed the House today, explicitly allows the Speaker of the House to intervene in all court cases challenging the constitutionality of the ACA by highlighting the intent of the law according to Congress. The House’s Office of General Counsel can now represent lawmakers in litigation or hire outside counsel as this case continues through federal courts.

“Over the last decade, Republicans have voted dozens of times to repeal the Affordable Care Act and rip away health care from millions of Americans. Now, with a new majority, the House can take action to protect the ACA—and protect coverage for hardworking Americans—while we work to stabilize the markets and ensure they are sustainable,” said Rep. Peters.

Rep. Peters continued, “Republicans failed to pass their empty alternatives to the ACA, which the Congressional Budget Office said would cause 22 million Americans to lose their insurance, lead to skyrocketing premiums, and force seniors and veterans to pay more for worse coverage. When that failed, they turned to the court system, but we will not let them succeed. I will continue to oppose any efforts that rip health care from San Diegans and fight for more affordable and accessible health care, instead.”