The signature health care programme of President Barack Obama was vetted by the US Supreme Court today which ruled that medical insurance subsidies can go to residents of any state, in what is seen as a huge win for the president.
However, the Republican leadership continued to stress that 'Obamacare' must be repealed, which was pledged by Bobby Jindal when he announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election.
"Despite the Court's decision, Obamacare is still a bad law that is having a negative impact on our country and on millions of Americans. I remain committed to repealing this bad law and replacing it with my consumer-centered plan that puts patients and families back in control of their health care decisions. We need consumer care, not Obamacare," Marco Rubio, another Republican presidential candidate said.
This was echoed by John Boehner, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
"Obamacare is fundamentally broken and increasing health care costs for millions of Americans. Today's ruling doesn't change that fact. Republicans will continue to listen to American families and work to protect them from the consequences of Obamacare," he said.
Top Democratic senator Mark Warner said this is the second time the nation's highest court has validated the country's important shift toward affordable and accessible health care for everyone.
"I consistently have said there are many ways we could improve the Affordable Care Act. I really hope today's ruling allows us as a country to move beyond divisive attacks and come together to work to improve health care quality, access, and affordability," he said.
Jindal reiterated that he would repeal Obamacare, if elected president.
"Today, the Supreme Court had its say; soon, the American people will have theirs. President Obama would like this to be the end of the debate on Obamacare, but it isn't. The debate will continue because the law has failed to accomplish its prime objective: containing health care costs," he said.
Republican presidential candidate, Jeb Bush, alleged that Obama "deliberately forced" Obamacare on the American people in a partisan and toxic way.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton applauded the Supreme Court's decision.
"The Affordable Care Act isn't perfect, but the evidence is clear: it's working. Sixteen million Americans have gained coverage. Millions of young people are able to stay on their parents' plans. Insurance companies can no longer discriminate against people with preexisting conditions or charge women higher rates just because of their gender," she said.
"Republicans should stop trying to tear down the law and start working across party lines to build on these successes," Clinton said.
