Little Lobbyists Statement: Fifth Circuit Ruling against the Affordable Care Act in TX vs United States Puts Children with Complex Medical Needs and Disabilities at Risk

Little Lobbyists strongly condemn the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional, and the court’s remanding the case back to lower court district Judge Reed O'Connor for a final decision on which parts of the law he thinks should be eliminated. Judge O’Connor is the same judge who previously ruled the entirety of the ACA invalid, based on a change to the individual mandate made by the Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a ruling many legal scholars say was flawed. 

Little Lobbyists, a family-led group advocating for children with complex medical needs and disabilities, formed in response to Republican threats to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the law which guarantees access to health care and vital protections our children need to stay alive and thrive in their homes and communities. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling prolongs fear and uncertainty for our families, as we continue to face ongoing threats to our children’s health care, including protections for people with pre-existing conditions, a ban on annual/lifetime caps on care, expanded Medicaid, and so much more. 

This decision strengthens our resolve to continue and further our advocacy. In the face of fear and uncertainty, we will continue sharing our stories, standing with our allies, supporting candidates who fight for our children, and empowering our community to use their voice and their vote. 

We will not remain silent; our children’s lives are at stake.

Podium with Little Lobbyists logo in front of the Capitol Building on a sunny day in Washington D.C.