Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Obama administration's healthcare reform law on Thursday.
"I'm happy, I'm pleased to see the Supreme Court put the rule of law ahead of partisanship and ruled that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional," Reid said on the Senate floor. "And Mr. President, it's a long opinion, and we know that when we come back after the elections we may do some things to improve the law, and we'll do that together, but today millions of Americans are already seeing the benefits of the law that we passed.
"Seniors are saving money on their prescriptions and checkups. Children can no longer be denied insurance because they have a pre-existing condition, a protection that will soon extend to every American."
Reid spoke on the floor shortly after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. The court ruled that Congress does have the ability to enforce the legislation's individual mandate, which requires people to buy healthcare insurance or pay a penalty.
"Passing the Affordable Care Act was the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for every person in America, regardless of where they live, how much they make," Reid said. "Mr. President, unfortunately Republicans in Congress continue to target the rights and benefits guaranteed under this law."
Now, Reid said, it's time for Republicans and Democrats to focus on job creation.
"The matter is settled. No one thinks this law is perfect," Reid continued. "The presiding officer doesn't, I don't, but Democrats have proven we're willing to work with Republicans to improve the problems that exist in this law or any other law. Millions of Americans are struggling to find work today anew, we know that. Our first priority must be to improve the economy. It's time, though, for Republicans to stop refighting yesterday's battles. Now that this matter is settled, let's move on to other things like jobs."
