New Orleans, La. - Louisiana's U.S. Senators split along party lines in their reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act.
Republican Senator David Vittter says in a statement, "This is obviously an extremely disappointing ruling, particularly with Roberts so amazingly rewriting the law in order to uphold it. But I am more committed than ever to repealing Obamacare outright."
While Senator Mary Landrieu, a democrat, applauds the decision, "The Supreme Court's ruling today confirms what many people of goodwill believed all along – that Congress' historic efforts to provide a more affordable and equitable system of health care for our nation is within its constitutional prerogatives."
While Vitter criticizes the impact of the law, Landrieu sings its praises.
"Obamacare may have been judged constitutional in this clumsy way, but I think it's also been proved a bad idea since its passage that's making things worse. It continues to increase the cost of health care services and puts the federal government between patients and doctors,"says Vitter.
Landrieu counters, "Its benefits are clear. It reduces the deficit by more than $1 trillion over 20 years, provides security to millions of middle class and low-income Americans who need and depend on affordable health care that now cannot be taken away, and over the long run, will improve health outcomes for our entire population."
Landrieu says she's proud of her work to make the law a reality. Vitter vows to help to repeal it.
The Supreme Court ruling upholds the controversial mandate that requires people to buy health insurance or face a penalty.
U. S. Supreme Court -Associated Press Photo
