Washington: US President Barack Obama on Friday said that the ruling of the Supreme Court in favour of the Affordable Healthcare Act is a victory of American people. ‘‘Whatever the politics, today’s decision was 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,’’ Obama said.
His remarks came after the momentous decision of the apex court which said the Congress did not overstep its power by requiring nearly all Americans to buy health insurance.
‘‘The highest court in the land has now spoken. We will continue to implement this law. We will work together to improve on it where we can. But what we won’t do — what the country can’t afford to do — is refight the political battles of two years ago, or go back to the way things were,’’ he said, adding that this law has a direct impact on so many Americans.
However, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney vowed to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act if is he voted to power in the November presidential elections.
‘‘What the Court did not do on its last day in session, I will do on my first day if elected President of the United States. And that is I will act to repeal Obamacare,’’ he said. ‘‘Obamacare was bad policy yesterday. It’s bad policy today. Let me tell you why I say that. Obamacare raises taxes on the American people by approximately USD 500 billion,’’ he alleged.
‘‘Obamacare also means that for up to 20 million Americans, they will lose the insurance they currently have, the insurance that they like and they want to keep. Obamacare is a job killer,’’ Romney said.
However, Obama argued that it has immense benefits to the people of the country. ‘‘If you’re one of the more than 250 million Americans who already have health insurance, you will keep your health insurance. This law will only make it more secure and more affordable,’’ he argued.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, young adults under the age of 26 are able to stay on their parent’s health care plans. Because of the Affordable Care Act, seniors receive a discount on their prescription drugs, he added.
But Romney said it is the time of choice for the American people. ‘‘Our mission is clear: If we want to get rid of Obamacare, we’re going to have to replace President Obama.’’ (PTI)
