Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after a federal judge in Florida struck down the individual health care mandate as unconstitutional. Rep. McMorris Rodgers signed the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)'s amicus brief in support of Florida's challenge.

"I applaud Judge Vinson's decision to find the individual mandate unconstitutional, and I’m encouraged by this pivotal step in our efforts to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care. I voted against that dangerous law for many reasons, and – as I said on the day Congress passed it – one of the most important reasons is that it will 'erode the freedom of the American individual.' We must continue to stand up for American citizens who have the constitutional right to decide what health care is best for themselves and their families."

In December 2010, a Virginia federal judge struck down the individual mandate as "unconstitutional." 27 states are challenging the law in court.