White House says it has 'every confidence' in solicitor general amid health care case

WASHINGTON – The White House says it has "every confidence" in the solicitor general's handling of the Supreme Court debate over President Obama's health care law.

In a statement, White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler says Solicitor General Donald Verrilli has "ably and skillfully represented the United States before the Supreme Court." Ruemmler praised Verrilli for his "keen judgment" and "unquestionable integrity."

Verrilli is the Obama administration's official representative in front of the Supreme Court. He's tasked with arguing in favor of a mandate in the health care law that requires nearly every American to carry insurance, and he's faced tough questions from many of the justices about the constitutionality of the mandate.

Wednesday is the last of three days of arguments on the provision.