Lawmakers react to Supreme Court decision upholding Obama health care law

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The nation's highest court on Thursday upheld the constitutionality of President Obama's sweeping health care law, which was celebrated as victory among Democrats, while blasted by Republicans who vowed a repeal.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio:

"The president's health care law is hurting our economy by driving up health costs and making it harder for small businesses to hire.  Today's ruling underscores the urgency of repealing this harmful law in its entirety. What Americans want is a common-sense, step-by-step approach to health care reform that will protect Americans' access to the care they need, from the doctor they choose, at a lower cost. Republicans stand ready to work with a president who will listen to the people and will not repeat the mistakes that gave our country ObamaCare."  -- House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.:

"This decision is a victory for the American people. With this ruling, Americans will benefit from critical patient protections, lower costs for the middle class, more coverage for families, and greater accountability for the insurance industry. The Affordable Care Act is already paying dividends for millions of Americans -- with more to come: Children can no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Seniors are paying less for prescription drugs. Students and young adults can stay on their parents' plans. Being a woman is no longer a pre-existing medical condition.

"In passing health reform, we made history for our nation and progress for the American people. We completed the unfinished business of our society and strengthened the character of our country. We ensured health care would be a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Today, the Supreme Court affirmed our progress and protected that right, securing a future of health and economic security for the middle class and for every American."

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va:

"The Supreme Court's decision to uphold ObamaCare is a crushing blow to patients throughout the country. ObamaCare has failed to keep the President's basic promise of allowing those who like their health care to keep it, while increasing costs and reducing access to quality care for patients. In this tough economy, jobs and economic growth are on the minds of most Americans, but ObamaCare has increased uncertainty for small businessmen and women and forced them to put their hiring decisions on hold.

"During the week of July 9, the House will once again repeal ObamaCare, clearing the way for patient-centered reforms that lower costs and increase choice. We support an approach that offers simpler, more affordable and more accessible health care that allows people to keep the health care that they like.

"The court's decision brings into focus the choice the American people have about the direction of our country. The president and his party believe in massive government intrusions that increase costs and take decisions away from patients. In contrast, Republicans believe in patient-centered, affordable care where health care decisions are made by patients, their families and their doctors, not by the federal government."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada:

"Mr. President, I'm happy. I'm pleased to see the Supreme Court put the law ahead of partisanship and ruled that the affordable care act is constitutional. Mr President, it's a long opinion and we know that when we come back here after the elections there may be something we need to improve the law and we'll do that working together. But today millions of Americans are already seeing the benefit of that law that we passed, seniors are saving money on their prescriptions and checkups.