RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) In a historic decision, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) on Thursday upheld the critical piece of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, the individual mandate.
The decision was five to four, with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the liberal justices and writing the majority opinion. [Read More: U.S. Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act.]
Below are excerpts from Virginia statesmen press releases, with links to their full statements.
Governor Bob McDonnell was disappointed by the decision and said “Simply put, this is a blow to freedom.” He believes that the Personal Protection and Affordable Care Act will create a “costly and cumbersome system.”
However, he said that the state “will evaluate the steps necessary to comply with the law.” “In coming months, Virginia’s healthcare leaders will work to develop the best possible system to meet the healthcare needs of our citizens,” McDonnell said.
You can read his full statement here.
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was also disappointed. “This is a dark day for the American people, the Constitution, and the rule of law,” he said. “This is a dark day for American liberty.”
You can read his full statement here.
Virginia Congressman and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R – 7th District) believes the ruling was a “crushing blow to patients throughout the country.”
“During the week of July 9th, the House will once again repeal ObamaCare, clearing the way for patient-centered reforms that lower costs and increase choice,” promised Cantor.
You can read his full statement here.
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), called the decision “a win for Americans across the country,” and said that “due to the Affordable Care Act, 7,200 young adults in my district now have health insurance.”
“While the debate over the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act has been divisive, as we begin seeing more of the provisions come into effect, more Americans will realize how important this law is and how it helps them, their families, and their neighbors,” said Congressman Scott.
You can read his full statement here.
Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat released a statement applauding the decision. “Washington has been struggling to deliver meaningful health care reform for more than six decades,” Moran said. “Today’s ruling means the United States can finally see its way closer to delivering on that promise for all Americans.”
You can read his full statement here.
Senator A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) noted the vote in favor of the decision made by a Republican Bush appointee.
“This law means that Americans cannot be turned away when they are sick or injured because of income or a prior existing condition,” said McEachin. “Now, I can only hope that the Attorney General and Governor McDonnell and their Republican colleagues in the General Assembly will stop dragging their feet, and get to work helping Virginians by creating the health exchange to assist uninsured Virginians in receiving access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
Read his full statement here.
Candidates vying for the Va. U.S. Senate seat—Tim Kaine and George Allen– also weighed in on the decision.
Former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who is currently the Democratic candidate for Va. U.S. Senate seat, was first a lone supporter of the decision among the majority of Va. lawmakers who sent out a press release initially. Other releases expressing support came in throughout the day.
“The Affordable Care Act is an important first step in curbing discriminatory insurance company practices and increasing access to health care, but more needs to be done to bring down costs,” said Kaine. Kaine noted what has been accomplished already by the Affordable Care Act.
“Nearly 63,000 more young people in Virginia have health coverage, more than 800,000 Virginia seniors have received free preventive care, millions of small businesses are now eligible for tax credits, and twenty million American women have access to cancer screenings and contraception without co-pays,” Kaine said.
You can read his full statement here.
Former Virginia Governor George Allen, who is currently the Republican candidate for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat, said “I believe it’s an infringement on individual liberty and free enterprise.”
“Virginians and Americans would be better served by reforms that deliver on the promise of reducing costs, increasing access to quality care, and put people – not government – in control of their health care,” said Allen.
You can read his full statement here.
For complete coverage of the ruling and the PPACA, click here.
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