The Decision: Reactions as Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act
President Barack Obama:
Whatever the politics, today's decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it.
GOP presumptive nominee Mitt Romney:
As you might imagine, I disagree with the Supreme Court's decision and I agree with the dissent. What the court did not do on its last day in session, I will do on my first day if elected president of the United States. And that is I will act to repeal ObamaCare.
Sarah Palin:
Obama lied to the American people. Again. He said it wasn't a tax. Obama lies; freedom dies.
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) June 28, 2012
Daniel Zingale, Senior Vice President of The California Endowment (which submitted an amicus curiae brief supporting ACA to the U.S. Supreme Court ):
Today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court is an affirmation that Americans, regardless of age, income, or pre-existing condition, are entitled to and deserve quality, affordable health coverage, including the more than seven million Californians who are uninsured.
From Consumer Reports president Jim Guest:
This is a victory for consumers. Health reform is alive and well and will benefit all of us. But today we are especially thinking of the seriously ill children who will continue to be able to get critical care, the young adults who can stay on their parent's insurance, and the seniors who can better afford the prescription drugs they need. For these people and the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions, the uncertainty is over.
Former presidential speechwriter David Frum writes:
The Republican Plan B is to repeal Obamacare on Day 1 of a Romney presidency. Good luck with that. First, today's Supreme Court decision will make it a lot harder to elect Mitt Romney. President Obama has just been handed a fearsome election weapon.
John Boehner, Speaker of the House, tweets:
We don’t have to accept #ObamaCare. The House will continue to fight for #fullrepeal #4jobs
— John Boehner (@johnboehner) June 28, 2012
Jeffrey Toobin eats crow:
Big winner at #scotus today is don verrilli, solicitor general. Among losers is me, who was so critical of of his oral argument.
— Jeffrey Toobin (@JeffreyToobin) June 28, 2012
Families USA President Ron Pollack says:
Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a clear, unambiguous, and complete victory for long-overdue health care reform. It sends an unmistakable message that the building of a better, fairer health care system will continue to move forward. Implementing health reform will provide peace of mind for our families, the peace of mind that comes only when our loved ones are sure to receive the health care they need when they need it.
One patient's view:
Thank you #SCOTUS for allowing me to have health insurance even though I have Type 1 #diabetes. This is a GREAT day in American history!
— Megan Q. (@Tellab77) June 28, 2012
Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog:
Upholding the individual mandate makes rate regulation the next essential phase of health reform and we hope the President will join in helping us to keep premiums low now that people are going to be taxed for not having health insurance.
California state Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez (D-24):
It is the absolutely the most important piece of legislation the country has seen since the Johnson administration. The Affordable Care Act… will bring $15 billion of federal money to California. That's something even Republicans…should be excited about.
Dr. James Barone, Skeptical Scalpel blogger (read his entire post here):
Like most of my colleagues, I’ll be on duty at 7 a.m. tomorrow taking care of patients. Patients who are insured. Patients who have Medicare or Medicaid. And patients who have no coverage at all.
Related Posts:
Health Reform: Clinicians Keep Treating Patients, Regardless of Federal Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court's Health Reform Ruling: Reporting Resources
Photo credit: AffordableCareCat.com