A federal judge in Virginia has ruled a key provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. the health care reform law) unconstitutional, The New York Times reports. The judge declared the requirement mandating most Americans obtain health insurance exceeded the powers granted to Congress in the Constitution. This ruling was the first in the country to invalidate any part of the health care reform law. The Justice Department is considering whether to appeal. The judge declined a request to stop implementation of the health care reform law pending appeal. Two previous rulings by federal judges have upheld the health care reform law.

To read the Times article, click here.