Sen. Warner Issues Statement on 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision on Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, issued the following statement after the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, sending the case back to the lower courts:

"Despite the millions of Americans who have gained health care coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the critical protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, Republicans remain determined to throw out our existing health care system with no viable options to replace it.

"The uncertainty created by this court ruling and the repeated attacks on our nation's health care laws place essential health care coverage for American families in serious jeopardy. As I have said before - the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress should be working in a bipartisan fashion to strengthen existing law, not engaging in misguided attempts to take away people's health care.

"Should Republicans succeed in their campaign of health care sabotage, millions of Americans would be without insurance, have higher costs, and have fewer protections.

"In light of this ruling - I remain committed to strengthening our health care law and will do everything I can to protect it."