Supreme Court Finishes Hearing Arguments On Healthcare Law

The Supreme Court wrapped up arguments Wednesday on whether President Obama's healthcare law is constitutional.

Wednesday, March 28th 2012, 6:15 pm



The Supreme Court wrapped up arguments Wednesday on whether President Obama's healthcare law is constitutional.

Oklahoma is one of 26 states that's filed suit over the law. The central issue revolves around if the federal government can require citizens to purchase health insurance.

Justices Wednesday also considered what happens to the entire law if one part is struck down.

Republicans, including Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, say it all comes down to one thing: the power of the federal government.

"It's kind of interesting, those who have the philosophy, such as our president: President Obama, that somehow Government can run anything better than the private sector," Sen. Inhofe told reporters Wednesday afternoon.

Oklahoma was one of the states that faced criticism for filing suit against the law. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt was in the courtroom for arguments Tuesday and Wednesday.

"The Supreme Court doesn't take up frivolous lawsuits, they take up consequential lawsuits. They recognize what is at stake in this lawsuit, in this appeal, in this decision is truly liberty and federalism," said Pruitt.

Now arguments have concluded with some believing questions from Justices signaled the court may side with the states.

"It has been an honor to be part of this process, to hear these jurists, these justices ask the questions each of my friends behind me have been asking for two years, ‘Where are the limitations?'" said Pruitt.

The court Wednesday also heard arguments from states saying the federal government has no right to force them to expand their Medicaid programs as part of the Healthcare Initiative. The justices are expected to issue their decisions in June.

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