(CNN) California and other states defending the Affordable Care Act on Monday asked the federal judge who struck down the law last week to issue a new order making clear that the landmark health care reform remains in effect while appeals play out.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has vowed to appeal the ruling, also asked the court to take the legal steps necessary to allow the states to appeal the decision "expeditiously."

Becerra, who is leading the coalition of states defending the law, made the request of Texas federal District Judge Reed O'Connor, who ruled Friday that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional because of changes made in the 2017 tax reform.

In court papers, Becerra said that O'Connor's ruling late Friday had caused confusion among Americans who depend on the law for health coverage.

Becerra noted that the federal government shares the understanding that the Affordable Care Act remains in place for now but that a court order is necessary in order to avoid any potential confusion among the millions of individuals currently depending upon the law.

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