Kyl, McCain, Pastor respond to health care ruling

Arizona’s top legislators issue statements in response
to the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of President
Obama’s health care reform bill:

Republican Sen. John McCain said: “Today’s decision by the
Supreme Court is disappointing. Obamacare is unpopular
with the American people because it puts Washington in
control of our health care choices and does nothing to
address the real problems in our system — most
importantly the rapidly rising and unsustainable costs.

“In fact, Obamacare does the opposite, driving up the cost
of health care and, as a result, impedes the economic
recovery this country so badly needs. Congress should
immediately begin the process of repealing Obamacare and
replace it with common sense reforms that ensure all
Americans can get the care they need at a price they can
afford.”

Republican Sen. John Kyl said, “For over two years, the
president’s health law has remained highly unpopular with
the American people — particularly the mandate to
purchase health insurance and other tax hikes. Because the
Supreme Court did not strike down the most onerous
provisions, it appears that the American people themselves
will have to overturn the law by the choices they make in
November’s election.

“We need to listen to the people to see what they would
like; then, Congress can replace the flawed law with
reforms that ensure Americans have health care that is
affordable with a doctor of their choice and without
increased taxes, mandates, and rationing.

“It hardly matters to the American citizens that the
requirement to buy government defined insurance cannot be
justified under the Commerce Clause if it can be justified
as a ‘tax.’ Forcing people to buy something and penalizing
those who do not with a ‘tax’ leaves citizens in the same
position as if the mandate were justified under the
Commerce Clause.”

Democratic Rep. Ed Pastor: “This is a profoundly important
day for all Americans. I commend the U.S. Supreme Court’s
decision to uphold the Affordable Healthcare Law and
continue with its implementation of vital provisions.

“With this ruling, the court recognized the opportunity we
have as a nation to move forward and ensure that all
Americans have the healthcare coverage they need and
deserve. This decision will have a profound and positive
impact on our country’s health delivery system.

“It is truly a great day for all Americans.”