Democratic states fighting Texas suit over health overhaul

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Democratic attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia are pushing back against a Texas lawsuit to invalidate former President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (HAHV’-ee-ayre buh-CEHR’-uh) led the group Monday in filing a motion to intervene in the case.

It sets up a battle between Democratic and Republican-led states, 19 of which joined the Texas case filed in February.

The Texas lawsuit argues the Affordable Care Act is no longer constitutional after changes made as part of the Republican-backed tax overhaul that eliminates fines for not having coverage.

Becerra suggested it’s up to Democratic attorneys general to defend the health care law because the Trump administration will not.

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This story has been corrected to show 15 states and the District of Columbia, not 16 states, filed the motion to intervene.