Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Federal Judge Ruling Individual Mandate is Unconstitutional

Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson's ruling that the individual mandate required by the federal health care reform bill is unconstitutional:

"Today's ruling represents a victory in the ongoing effort to end federal intrusion into the lives of every American through this one-size-fits-all approach to health care reform. I applaud the judge's decision, which affirms that the federal government's attempt to force individuals to buy government-approved health insurance is an egregious violation of our Constitutional rights.

"I commend Attorney General Abbott's efforts to protect Texans from this misguided federal overreach, and look forward to continuing to work with Texas leaders and Congress to find responsible solutions for our state's health care needs."

In this lawsuit, Texas, along with 25 other states, challenged the individual mandate in Obamacare, maintaining that Congress does not have the authority to force individuals to buy health insurance. This administration continues to spend excessively and impose unfunded mandates upon the states, including this federal health care reform bill that will cost Texas taxpayers more than $27 billion over 10 years for the Medicaid expansion starting in 2014.