Missouri Congressional Delegation Reacts to Health Care Ruling

Missouri's U.S. Representatives and Senators -- and others running for office -- are sending out reaction statements to today's Supreme Court ruling on President Obama's health care law.

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)

"The three questions about the President's health care plan that have needed to be answered from day one are: Is it constitutional, is it a good idea, and can we afford it? The Court, in a 5-4 decision, answered the first question. The American people now will decide if the President's health care takeover is the right thing to do and whether we can afford it.

"In 2010, Missourians overwhelmingly rejected the individual mandate and sent a clear signal to Washington that Americans oppose ObamaCare. Elections matter, and this decision underscores the fact that we need new leadership in the White House and the Senate.

"This decision does not change the fact that ObamaCare will lead to higher health care premiums, increased federal spending, and greater uncertainty for small business owners nationwide. That's why Congress must repeal this deeply flawed law in its entirety and replace it with thoughtful, common-sense reforms that put patients and doctors in control of health care - not Washington bureaucrats."

Sen. Blunt says the Affordable Care Act isn't all bad, but he says now that it's the law of the land, government can't pick and choose the provisions it likes.

"There are a few things, maybe as many as a half a dozen things in there if you combed through it...that you might want to save. But the better way to do that is to repeal this bill and then replace it with things that people clearly understand."

Blunt says he believes the law will be thrown out if Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming November elections.

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), via spokesman John LaBombard

"There's only ever been one goal for Claire-affordable, accessible health care for Missouri."

Rep. Billy Long (R-MO-7th District)

"I am extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision. The Obama administration and Democrats who passed this harmful law were clear in stating that the mandate was not a tax, yet the Supreme Court chose to ignore that fact and uphold the mandate under the taxing provision granted to Congress. This decision is not only a blow to Americans who must deal with the consequences of government takeover of health care, but it is also a blow to democracy and the individual liberties this country was founded on.

"I will continue to fight in Congress to repeal this harmful law and replace it with patient-centered health care that addresses the rising cost of health care in this country."

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-4th District)

"The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court allows for the full implementation of the 2010 law, despite its flawed design and questionable constitutional basis," said Hartzler. "The law still fails to address the issue of adequate funding, and will drive up health care costs, making it harder for small businesses to hire workers. But while the ruling is cause for dismay, supporters of the free market and individual liberty can take some comfort in the dissenting view that this law violates the U.S. Constitution."

"My House colleagues and I remain committed to repealing this troublesome law in its entirety," added Hartzler. "This ruling highlights the critical need for a Congress and White House committed to refocusing attention on health care legislation that provides affordability, cost transparency, choice for senior citizens, and will protect the right of citizens to keep their current insurance policies."

Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO-2nd District)

"Since its inception I have fought against the adoption of Obamacare and I applaud the innumerable citizens who have stood for freedom, common sense and the right to life in opposition to this dangerous piece of socialist engineering.

"Today's ruling does not end the need for continued opposition to this offensive overreach into the most private aspect of Americans' lives. With this decision, I, my conservative colleagues and a substantial majority of Americans will redouble our campaign to defund and repeal all of Obamacare.

Those running to unseat Sen. McCaskill in November are also offering their reaction to the Supreme Court ruling. 

Senate Candidate Sarah Steelman (R-MO)

"The Congress now, because of this ruling, has unlimited power basically and can tell you that you have to purchase anything they tell you to or they're going to tax you if you don't. I want to move in a different direction. One where we use a free market approach to making sure that we have competition and lower prices that way for people."

Senate Candidate John Brunner (R-MO)

"Today's Supreme Court decision is very disappointing and underscores the critical nature of this election. Obamacare is fundamentally flawed and the absolute wrong approach to health care reform. As Missouri's next citizen-senator, I will fight to repeal Obamacare and replace it with sensible, market-driven solutions that will truly control costs and improve our health care system."