North America

U.S. Supreme Court Validates Obama Healthcare Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. (defend.ht) - The United States Supreme Court upheld the healthcare law of President Barack Obama bringing an end to a 50 year battle of the Democratic party to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system.

The ruling was 5-4 that an "individual mandate" was lawful under the understanding of the power of Congress to impose taxes. In 2014, most Americans will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a tax. Access to healthcare will be available to all by expanding Medicaid to the poor.

Barack Obama was just oustide the Oval Office on Thursday when he received the news. What he first heard was that the individual mandate was struck down.

According to reports, a Counsel at the White House, Kathy Ruemmler entered the "outer Oval Office" two give the president two thumbs up.

Ruemmler told Obama that the Affordable Care Act was upheld by 5 justices who found it valid under Congress' taxing power.

Obama Romney Respond

Obama and his challenger for president, Mitt Romney both responded immediately.

The president spoke calling the ruling "a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court's decision to uphold it... we will continue to implement this law and we'll work together to improve on it."

"What we won't do - what the country can't afford to do - is re-fight the political battles of two years ago or go back to the way things were. With today's announcement, it's time for us to move forward," Obama added.

Mitt Romney responded saying he is the only hope to get rid of "Obamacare". He said "our mission is clear: If we're going to get rid of Obamacare, we're going to have to replace President Obama."

More than $1.5 million in donations poured in to Romney's campaign in the hours following the decision, according to an aide.