SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Attorney General Curtis Hill released a statement following a federal judge's ruling that the Affordable Care Act's individual coverage mandate is unconstitutional.

The statement reads:

This landmark decision is a victory for all Americans who believe in the principles enshrined in our U.S. Constitution.

From the beginning, the Affordable Care Act has represented federal overreach. Congress should never have imposed the one-size-fits-all mandate that now has been struck down as unconstitutional.

Moving forward, Congress should continue to play a strong role in promoting access to quality healthcare for all Americans. At the same time, however, it also must respect the authority of Indiana and all other states to exercise freedom in the ways we address the issue of health care for our own citizens.

At the state and national levels, then, let us all commit to developing sound policies that safeguard the healthcare needs of all individuals, including those with pre-existing conditions. And let us stay true to the Constitution as we pursue this mission.

Indiana is among 20 states that have challenged the constitutionality of the  Affordable Care Act's individual coverage mandate.