Next round of arguments in health law appeals process will be marked by tough questioning

The judges slated to hear the June 8 oral arguments regarding the appeal in the multi-state challenge to the health law have been appointed by presidents from both parties.

The Hill: Judges Of Both Parties Will Hear Appeal Of High-Profile Health Law Challenge
The Obama administration can expect tough questioning from the three appeals judges chosen Wednesday to hear the multi-state challenge to the health care reform law. Unlike the three Democratic appointees who heard the first appeals arguments in Richmond earlier this month, the 11th Circuit panel includes judges appointed by presidents of both parties. The Atlanta-based court is slated to hear appeal arguments June 8 (Pecquet, 5/25).

CQ HealthBeat: Judges Named in Multi-State Challenge to Health Care Law
Democratic appointees dominate a three-judge appeals panel that will hear oral arguments early next month in the lawsuit 26 states have filed against the health care law. Meanwhile, the states that have brought the challenge filed a brief with the appeals court saying that if the Medicaid expansion included in the law is found unconstitutional, the rest of the measure should fall as well (Norman, 5/25).

Related KHN coverage: Scoreboard: Tracking Health Law Court Challenges (Vaida, updated 5/25).