CAPAC on King v. Burwell Decision

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision upholding federal premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act for all qualifying Americans, regardless of their state of residence. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“This morning’s decision is fantastic news and enormous relief for the millions of Americans whose access to essential healthcare laid in the balance. A decision overturning the provisions would not only have undermined the purpose of the law, but would also have serious consequences for the cost of health insurance and the nation’s well-being. It was clear from the start that the Affordable Care Act was intended to cover all Americans. After 60 failed attempts to overturn the law in Congress and two failed attempts at the Supreme Court, I hope we can move forward with fully implementing this law and leave the dangerous politics behind us.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), CAPAC Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair:

“Today’s decision is a victory for the millions of American families, many of whom are from communities of color, who rely upon affordable healthcare every day. While today’s ruling is a precedent-setting legal decision, more importantly, it protects millions of American families who rely on subsidies to access to affordable, quality healthcare.”

Background:

The King v. Burwell case questioned whether it is permissible to provide federal subsidies to eligible Americans who reside in states without a state-based marketplace, but rely on the federal exchange. If overturned, 8 million people in 34 states would have lost subsidies that allow them to afford health insurance.

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.