Quinn, Southland congressmen react to health care decision
June 28, 2012 4:16PM
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn responds to a question about the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act during a news conference Thursday, June 28, 2012 in Chicago. Charles Rex Arbogast | AP Photo
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Updated: June 28, 2012 9:53PM
Statements issued by congressmen representing the Southland in response to Thursday’s Supreme Court decision on the national health care law:
U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd)
“More than two years have passed since I voted against the health care law because it is unaffordable, cuts Medicare, does not do enough to lower the soaring cost of health care, and would allow federal funding for abortion. The details about the law that have emerged in the meantime have only added to my concerns, and I have continued to work to fix the many problems with it. The Supreme Court’s decision does not change my opposition to the law or my dedication to changing the law. As I said at the time of my vote, there can be no doubt that our health care system is in serious need of reform. Today, that remains the case. The soaring cost of health care is a very serious problem, and is among the biggest contributors to the budget deficits our nation faces. Amid the partisan reactions to this news, we should remember the real problems with our health care system and the need to address them in a sensible and fiscally sustainable manner. The court’s decision may divide us, but the need for high-quality, affordable medical care unites us all.”
U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13th)
“With or without the unpopular health mandate, the cost of care continues to rise, and it’s up to Republicans and Democrats alike to work across the aisle on solutions. I’m disappointed that the Court did not put a stop to the government overreach. But Washington still has a responsibility to fix policies that are raising costs, hurting job creation, siphoning millions from Medicare, and placing an added layer of bureaucracy between patients and their doctors.
“Under the Administration’s law, too many families will lose the plans they have, and small businesses are afraid to hire new employees. We should go back to work on effective, bipartisan reforms that Democrat leaders ignored, like Association Health Plans for small businesses, allowing consumers to buy insurance across state lines, and medical malpractice reform. At the same time, we can and should maintain coverage for pre-existing conditions and young adults under 26.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)
“While I respect the Court’s decision, the health care law threatens our economic recovery by raising taxes, imposing new regulations and creating a drag on the economy. Congress should repeal the health care law and replace it with common sense, centrist reforms that give Americans the right to buy insurance across state lines and expand coverage without raising taxes, while blocking the government from coming between patients and their doctors.”
