D.C. judge upholds healthcare law

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Another federal judge, this one in the District of Columbia, has rendered a positive ruling on the constitutionality of President Obama's healthcare reform law.

U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler Tuesday became the third federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton to reject the argument that the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress is unconstitutional, The New York Times reported.

The District of Columbia case was filed by five individuals represented by a conservative Christian legal group, the American Center for Law and Justice.

Judge Kessler, in a 64-page opinion, adopted the government's position that Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce is so broad it can require people to buy a commercial product such as health insurance.

Two other federal district judges, both appointed by Republican presidents, have struck down the individual mandate that is the cornerstone of the new law. One of those judges, in a case filed in Florida, ruled that without the individual mandate the entire act was invalid.

The Justice Department has asked the judge in that case for clarification of his ruling, which left states confused about whether to continue implementing the law.

The divide in the lower courts over the law's constitutionality suggests that the issue will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Before the case lands in the high court, oral arguments in the first appellate reviews are scheduled for May and June.