Justice Department Says Shutdown Affects Its Ability To Respond To House Democrats' Intervention In Health Law Case

Last week, Democrats officially filed a motion asking the court to allow the House to intervene as a defendant in a Republican-led lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. The agency's opposition is due Jan. 24, but Justice employees can't work during the partial government shutdown.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a federal judge to pause all briefings related to a motion filed by House Democrats in an ongoing ObamaCare lawsuit, saying they cannot complete their work properly due to the government shutdown. Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt said DOJ lawyers “are unable to prepare their opposition at this time due to the lapse in appropriations.” The motion was filed on Friday but appeared in the docket on Monday. (Weixel, 1/7)

And in other news on the shutdown —

Rachel Martin talks to Kerry Hawk-Lessard of Native American Lifelines, who explains how her group will run out of money to pay for health services, if the government shutdown persists. (Martin, 1/8)

Hospitals, clinics and all services provided to veterans in Oregon and southwest Washington aren’t affected by the government shutdown. We are funded on a two-year-cycle,” said Dan Herrigstad, public affairs spokesman for Portland’s VA Health Care System. “That prevents us from getting shut down because of yearly funding issues. Even when there is a complete shutdown, the VA is always open for care and all employees continue to be paid." (Hallman, 1/7)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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