The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Texas v. California (19-1019) and California v. Texas (19-840) at 10am Eastern on November 10, 2020.

At issue is the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The law includes a permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act so the outcome of the case could affect the Indian Health Service and other programs that have benefited American Indians and Alaska Natives.

“Tribal nations prepaid for our health care,” Chairwoman Amber Torres of the Walker River Paiute Tribe said during a discussion on the case hosted by the National Indian Health Board last month. “Our treaties require the federal government to fund our people’s care for the next seven generations and beyond.”

The case originated with a federal judge in Texas who declared the Indian Child Welfare Act to be unconstitutional.

‘Tribal nations prepaid for our health care’: Fate of Indian law in hands of highest court (October 16, 2020)
Indian Country and the Affordable Care Act (October 16, 2020)
Senate candidate touts tribal agenda in closely watched race (October 13, 2020)
Sen. Udall: Indian health care at risk with Supreme Court nominee (October 13, 2020)
Sen. Cantwell: ‘Real concerns’ as Supreme Court confirmation hearing opens on Indigenous Peoples Day (October 12, 2020)