Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), one of the first lawmakers to speak outside the Supreme Court following Thursday's healthcare law ruling, called the high court's decision a "rigorous, resounding confirmation of the constitutionality" of the Affordable Care Act.
"It's great news for America's families, businesses and our economy. The Affordable Care Act moves us forward where every person has affordable, quality healthcare in America," Harkin said.
Harkin, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, praised the law for already providing free preventative care, saving seniors on the costs of prescription drugs and ending lifetime caps on benefits, although he said the legislation would not be fully implemented for several more years.
The Iowa senator also said the decision would protect more than $1 trillion in deficit reduction.
"The Supreme Court has made it clear, what we have known all along — that those trying to block healthcare reform are standing on the wrong side of history," he said.
Harkin called on House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Republicans to "put politics behind" and ensure access to quality, affordable care.
"I've often said that the Affordable Care Act is not like the Ten Commandments, chiseled in stone: it's like a starter home suitable for improvements ... I invite the Republicans to bring their tool kits, not their sledge hammers," said Harkin.
Harkin was followed by a round-up of Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y), among others, who all echoed Harkin's sentiment.
"This is good day for the American people. They won today. It's also a good day for the rule of law. The Supreme Court decision affirms prior precedent and confirms the proper role for the Congress of the United States," said Cardin.
