Politics

Obamacare survives: Supreme Court dismisses big challenge

Published

5 years ago

June 17, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court dismissed a major challenge to the Obama era health care law on Thursday, turning aside an effort by Republican-led states to throw out the law that provides insurance coverage for millions of Americans.

The justices, by a 7-2 vote, left the entire law intact in ruling that Texas, other GOP-led states and two individuals had no right to bring their lawsuit in federal court. The Biden administration says 31 million people have health insurance because of the law popularly known as “Obamacare.”

The law’s major provisions include protections for people with pre-existing health conditions, a range of no-cost preventive services and the expansion of the Medicaid program that insures lower-income people, including those who work in jobs that don’t pay much or provide health insurance.

Also left in place is the law’s now-toothless requirement that people have health insurance or pay a penalty. Congress rendered that provision irrelevant in 2017 when it reduced the penalty to zero.

The elimination of the penalty had become the hook that Texas and other Republican-led states, as well as the Trump administration, used to attack the entire law. They argued that without the mandate, a pillar of the law when it was passed in 2010, the rest of the law should fall, too.

And with a more conservative Supreme Court that includes three Trump appointees, opponents of Obamacare hoped a majority of the justices would finally kill off the law they have been fighting against for more than a decade.

But the third major attack on the law at the Supreme Court ended the way the first two did, with a majority of the court rebuffing efforts to gut the law or get rid of it altogether.

Trump’s three appointees to the Supreme Court — Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh — split their votes. Kavanaugh and Barrett joined the majority. Gorsuch was in dissent, signing on to an opinion from Justice Samuel Alito.

Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for the court that the states and people who filed a federal lawsuit “have failed to show that they have standing to attack as unconstitutional the Act’s minimum essential coverage provision.”

In dissent, Alito wrote, “Today’s decision is the third installment in our epic Affordable Care Act trilogy, and it follows the same pattern as installments one and two. In all three episodes, with the Affordable Care Act facing a serious threat, the Court has pulled off an improbable rescue.” Alito was a dissenter in the two earlier cases, as well.

Like Alito, Justice Clarence Thomas was in dissent in the two earlier cases, but he joined Thursday’s majority, writing, “Although this Court has erred twice before in cases involving the Affordable Care Act, it does not err today.”

Because it dismissed the case for the plaintiff’s lack of legal standing — the ability to sue — the court didn’t actually rule on whether the individual mandate is unconstitutional now that there is no penalty for forgoing insurance. Lower courts had struck down the mandate, in rulings that were wiped away by the Supreme Court decision.

With the latest ruling, the ACA is “here to stay for the foreseeable future,” said Larry Levitt, an executive vice president for the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies health care.

“Democrats are in charge and they have made reinvigorating and building on the ACA a key priority,” Levitt said. “Republicans don’t seem to have much enthusiasm for continuing to try to overturn the law.”

Republicans pressed their argument to invalidate the whole law even though congressional efforts to rip out the entire law “root and branch,” in Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell’s words, have failed. The closest they came was in July 2017 when Arizona Sen. John McCain, who died the following year, delivered a dramatic thumbs-down vote to a repeal effort by fellow Republicans.

Chief Justice John Roberts said during arguments in November that it seemed the law’s foes were asking the court to do work best left to the political branches of government.

The court’s decision preserves benefits that became part of the fabric of the nation’s health care system.

Polls show that the 2010 health care law grew in popularity as it endured the heaviest assault. In December 2016, just before Obama left office and Trump swept in calling the ACA a “disaster,” 46% of Americans had an unfavorable view of the law, while 43% approved, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll. Those ratings flipped and by February of this year 54% had a favorable view, while disapproval had fallen to 39% in the same ongoing poll.

The health law is now undergoing an expansion under President Joe Biden, who sees it as the foundation for moving the U.S. to coverage for all. His giant COVID-19 relief bill significantly increased subsidies for private health plans offered through the ACA’s insurance markets, while also dangling higher federal payments before the dozen states that have declined the law’s Medicaid expansion. About 1 million people have signed up with HealthCare.gov since Biden reopened enrollment amid high levels of COVID cases earlier this year.

Most of the people with insurance because of the law have it through Medicaid expansion or the health insurance markets that offer subsidized private plans. But its most popular benefit is protection for people with pre-existing medical conditions. They cannot be turned down for coverage on account of health problems, or charged a higher premium. While those covered under employer plans already had such protections, “Obamacare” guaranteed them for people buying individual policies.

Another hugely popular benefit allowed young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until they turn 26. Before the law, going without medical coverage was akin to a rite of passage for people in their 20s getting a start in the world.

Because of the ACA, most privately insured women receive birth control free of charge. It’s considered a preventive benefit covered at no additional cost to the patient. So are routine screenings for cancer and other conditions.

For Medicare recipients, “Obamacare” also improved preventive care, and more importantly, closed a prescription drug coverage gap of several thousand dollars that was known as the “doughnut hole.”

Politics

Grenada PM Dickon Mitchell Wins Second Term as NDC Takes 14 of 15 Seats

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2026

FNN NEWS

The National Democratic Congress secures its first consecutive election victories, strengthening Mitchell’s mandate as he faces demands for jobs, better healthcare and economic growth.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has won a second consecutive term after his National Democratic Congress (NDC) captured 14 of the country’s 15 parliamentary seats in the Nov. 5 general election, according to reported preliminary results.

The opposition New National Party retained one seat, St. George North West, won by Adrian Joseph. The outcome marks the first time the NDC has won consecutive general elections since its founding in 1987. NOW Grenada

NDC expands its parliamentary majority

Mitchell first led the NDC to power in June 2022, winning nine seats against the NNP’s six and ending the administration of former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.

The latest result increases the governing party’s representation by five seats. The NNP contested the election under Emmalin Pierre, while Peter David led the Democratic People’s Movement, which won no constituencies. Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation

Jobs and healthcare among priorities

Mitchell has pledged to modernize Grenada’s economy, improve healthcare and reduce youth unemployment. He has also joined Caribbean leaders seeking an apology and reparations from Britain for slavery. apnews.com

His administration faces the broader challenge of sustaining development while continuing recovery from Hurricane Beryl, which struck in 2024. The International Monetary Fund has identified tourism, reconstruction and development investment as important supports for economic activity amid global uncertainty. imf.org

U.S. relations and international engagement

The United States established diplomatic relations with Grenada in 1974 following its independence from Britain. Cooperation has included counter-narcotics programs and humanitarian assistance, according to the U.S. State Department. United States Department of State

Those ties provide an existing foundation for engagement during Mitchell’s second term. Additional cooperation on investment, disaster preparedness and economic development would depend on decisions by both governments.

Tourism and investment opportunities

Tourism, agriculture and construction are central to Grenada’s economy. Their importance also leaves the country exposed to changes in international travel, global prices and extreme weather, according to the World Bank. World Bank Group

Hotels, visitor services, agricultural supply chains and infrastructure are areas to watch as the government pursues growth. A central question for the second term will be whether new development creates lasting employment and opportunities for local businesses.

The IMF reports that foreign investment continues to help finance the country’s substantial external financing needs, underscoring the importance of maintaining investor confidence. imf.org

What’s next for Prime Minister Mitchell?

With a larger parliamentary majority, attention turns to how Mitchell translates his election mandate into government action.

Based on his stated priorities, key developments to watch include healthcare proposals, youth employment initiatives and measures to modernize the economy. Budget allocations, implementation schedules and public reporting will provide practical ways to assess progress.

The expanded majority gives Mitchell stronger parliamentary backing. Delivering improvements in public services and household economic conditions will be the next test.

Independence and the 1983 intervention

Grenada gained independence in 1974 after periods of French and British colonial rule.

In October 1983, the United States invaded following the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and others during an internal power struggle. Grenada observes Oct. 25, the anniversary of the intervention, as Thanksgiving Day. apnews.com

Central Florida News

Darren Soto defeats Gov. Ron DeSantis’ gerrymandered map, narrowly wins reelection

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2026

FNN NEWS

The Central Florida Democrat edged Republican Dan Green in a congressional district that shifted toward the GOP under a map signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto narrowly won reelection in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, defeating Republican Dan Green in the first election under a new map that made the district more favorable to Republicans. The Associated Press called the race Tuesday, one week after Election Day. apnews.com

A race just outside the recount threshold

Soto led Green by 1,506 votes, or 0.53 percentage points, in unofficial returns submitted Saturday. The margin put the race just above Florida’s automatic recount threshold of 0.5 percentage points. State officials announced that the race would proceed without a recount. www.wusf.org

How the DeSantis map changed District 9

DeSantis called lawmakers into a special session on congressional redistricting and signed the new map into law May 4. Republicans redrew a district previously anchored in Osceola and southern Orange counties, adding territory in four counties. The new boundaries brought in parts of Okeechobee, Indian River and St. Lucie counties and gave Republicans a more favorable district heading into the November election. www.edr.state.fl.us

The larger district brought rural and coastal communities into the race. Soto, a former member of the House Agriculture Committee, called for rolling back tariffs and highlighted the cost of diesel and fertilizer during the campaign. Green, a military veteran, also addressed rising costs as the candidates laid out competing approaches to affordability. history.house.gov

Puerto Rican representation in Congress

Soto’s victory keeps a lawmaker of Puerto Rican descent in Florida’s congressional delegation. The Democrat served in both chambers of the Florida Legislature before entering Congress in 2017 and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. history.house.gov

Soto said his priorities for the newly added communities include restoring the Indian River Lagoon and improving local infrastructure.

Central Florida News

Florida Puerto Rican Lawmakers’ First-Term Impact: FNN Audit Reviews Bills Becoming Law, 1999–2026

Published

6 days ago

November 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Former Florida Reps. Bob Cortes, David Santiago and Daisy Morales, from left, are featured in FNN’s comparison of first-term legislative outcomes among 14 House lawmakers of Puerto Rican descent. Composite graphic by Florida National News

A review of 14 Florida House members of Puerto Rican descent examines sponsored bills that became law and policies reflected in other enacted legislation, documenting their early legislative results.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Voters across Florida cast ballots in the Nov. 3 general election to elect candidates of their choice. Against that backdrop, Florida National News examined the first-term legislative records of 14 Florida House lawmakers of Puerto Rican descent, reviewing legislative sessions from 1999 through 2026.

The audit focuses on bills they sponsored that became law and proposals whose policies were reflected in other enacted legislation, providing readers with a documented comparison of their early legislative results.

See Aduit

Former Republican Reps. Bob Cortes and David Santiago lead the reviewed group in combined legislative outcomes. Former Democratic Rep. Daisy Morales leads the Democratic members included in the report.

Cortes recorded six sponsored House bills that became law under their own numbers, the highest direct-enactment total in the reviewed group. He also had six additional proposals with policies reflected in other enacted legislation.

Santiago recorded five direct enactments and seven policy-overlap outcomes. Each Republican had 12 combined outcomes.

Morales recorded two direct enactments and three additional policy-overlap outcomes during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions, giving her five combined outcomes.

The FNN audit distinguishes those categories rather than treating every identified outcome as a separate law personally authored by a legislator.

Legislative Results With Statewide Reach

The measures examined extend beyond the lawmakers’ individual districts, addressing education, public safety, professional licensing, military families and other statewide issues.

Cortes’ direct enactments included HB 837 in 2016, jointly sponsored with Michael Bileca. The legislation addressed education programs for individuals with disabilities, including transition-to-work opportunities for qualifying students. It became Chapter 2016-137.

Susan Plasencia’s first-term record included HB 1275 in 2023, which authorized local law enforcement agencies to establish registries containing information about participating people with disabilities. The measure became Chapter 2023-312.

Morales’ direct enactments included HB 855 in 2021, addressing barber services, and HB 45 in 2022, providing tuition and fee assistance for qualifying disabled veterans.

HB 45, sponsored with Christopher Benjamin, passed the House 115-0 and the Senate 38-0. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it June 9, 2022, and it became Chapter 2022-187. The unanimous votes illustrate the bipartisan support secured for that measure.

The audit also identifies policies in Morales’ proposals concerning telephone solicitation restrictions, property tax exemptions and a Down Syndrome Awareness specialty license plate that were reflected in other enacted bills.

First-Term Outcomes Across the Reviewed Group

Lawmaker	Party	Sessions reviewed	Direct enactments	Policy-overlap outcomes	Combined
Bob Cortes	R	2015–2016	6	6	12
David Santiago	R	2013–2014	5	7	12
Susan Plasencia	R	2023–2024	5	3	8
John Quiñones	R	2003–2004	2	6	8
René Plasencia	R	2015–2016	4	3	7
Yvette Benarroch	R	2025–2026	3	2	5
Daisy Morales	D	2021–2022	2	3	5
Robert Asencio	D	2017–2018	1	1	2
Amy Mercado	D	2017–2018	0	2	2
Anthony Suárez*	D	1999–2000	1	0	1
Johanna López	D	2023–2024	1	0	1
Victor Torres	D	2013–2014	0	1	1
John Cortes	D	2015–2016	0	0	0
Darren Soto*	D	2007–2008	0	0	0

Source: FNN audit. Soto and Suárez served partial initial terms. Zero means no qualifying outcome was identified under the audit’s method; it does not establish that a lawmaker made no legislative contribution.

Why the Audit Matters

The audit gives readers a way to examine legislative accomplishments beyond campaign descriptions and broad claims about bills “passed.”

It separates primary and joint sponsorship from ordinary co-sponsorship and distinguishes bills enacted under their own numbers from proposals whose policies appear in other laws.

Those distinctions matter because a House bill can die while some of its provisions survive in another legislative vehicle. Conversely, a related-bill listing does not establish that a proposal’s specific provisions became law.

The report also documents the scope of the identified outcomes. A narrow licensing change and a broad education measure each can count as one outcome, although their reach and consequences differ.

For readers examining Puerto Rican representation in Florida government, the findings provide a record of specific legislative activity. The measures’ beneficiaries extend across ethnic backgrounds and communities.

Why Focus on the First Term?

The first term provides a defined period for examining what lawmakers accomplished when they entered the House, before accumulating multiple terms of legislative experience.

Comparing initial terms also prevents a long-serving member’s career total from being measured directly against the record of someone who served only one term.

Some lawmakers lose reelection, retire, seek another office or pursue other careers. Their first term may therefore represent their entire House tenure. That makes early legislative results worth documenting.

The comparison still has limits. Members entering through special elections have less time than those beginning full two-year terms. Party control, committee assignments and legislative priorities also can affect opportunities to advance bills.

Soto’s Initial Service Is Counted Separately

Darren Soto won a special election April 24, 2007, and was sworn into office the following day. His initial House service belongs in the 2007–2008 window. His reelection in November 2008 began the full term covering the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions.

The audit identifies no qualifying direct enactment or policy-overlap outcome for his initial regular-session window. It lists four outcomes from 2009–2010 separately as later-term context.

That distinction preserves the report’s focus on initial service rather than later accomplishments.

Anthony Nieves and the 2027 Legislative Session

Anthony Nieves represents the next chapter of Puerto Rican representation examined in FNN’s coverage.

Nieves defeated Jorge Figueroa in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary for House District 47. He subsequently won the seat without appearing on the November ballot after the general election contest was canceled, according to Ballotpedia.

His first regular legislative session will be in 2027, when he will have the opportunity to sponsor legislation and establish a first-term record.

Nieves is discussed separately from the audit’s 14-member outcome comparison because the 2027 and 2028 regular sessions fall outside its 1999–2026 review period. His absence from the rankings is a timing distinction, not a finding of legislative failure.

A future comparison can evaluate his sponsored bills, direct enactments and policies reflected in other enacted legislation during those sessions. Assigning him a zero alongside lawmakers whose initial legislative sessions have concluded would misrepresent his opportunity to produce results.

What the Findings Establish

The audit compares 14 identified lawmakers. It is not an exhaustive ancestry census or a definitive ranking of every Puerto Rican lawmaker in Florida history.

Ordinary co-sponsorships, resolutions and appropriations requests are excluded. Combined outcomes count qualifying source proposals, not necessarily distinct laws. Jointly sponsored bills can appear in more than one member’s record.

The report measures identified legislative outcomes rather than overall effectiveness, constituent service or the relative public benefit of each measure.

FNN’s Corrections and Updates Policy

Florida National News welcomes factual information identifying a lawmaker incorrectly included in or excluded from the audit, an inaccurate service period, a sponsorship error or an overlooked legislative outcome.

Submissions should identify the lawmaker, legislative session, bill number, sponsorship role and official supporting records. For proposals reflected in another enacted bill, documentation should identify the resulting bill, chapter law and relevant provisions.

FNN will review the information and make necessary corrections to the roster, bill records, session dates, outcome counts and rankings when supported by the evidence. Corrections will be reflected in the audit’s revision history.

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