ANCHORAGE, ALASKA-Governor Sean Parnell welcomed the news that a federal appeals court today ruled that a provision in President Barack Obama’s healthcare law requiring citizens to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional.

“I am pleased that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals recognized that Congress exceeded its constitutional authority by requiring Americans to purchase insurance or face penalties,” Governor Parnell said. “The federal government has surpassed its authority — into the lives and freedom of Americans. I trust the U.S. Supreme Court will also recognize the individual mandate is not the answer to skyrocketing health insurance costs.”

Last year, more than half of the states, including Alaska, joined together to challenge the constitutionality of the federal healthcare reform legislaBarack Obama,tion.