RICHMOND, Va. — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the new health care overhaul is constitutional, dismissing a lawsuit filed by Liberty University in Lynchburg that had challenged the statute.
The case is among at least 15 suits filed against the law, which most experts think will ultimately be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Liberty University argued that Congress exceeded its constitutional authority with a provision of the law that requires employers to offer health insurance if they employ more than 50 people. The suit also was filed on behalf of two people who object to the law’s requirements that all individuals purchase insurance by 2014 or face a fine.
But U.S. District Judge Norman Moon ruled that the law falls within Congress’ constitutional ability to regulate interstate trade.
