UPDATE: Chen, Miller, Royce React to Healthcare Ruling

Reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling that upholds the central component of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act broke down predictably along party lines, even if the decision itself didn't.

The high court upheld the controversial mandate component of the legislation, dubbing it a tax and agreeing in a that the government can use its powers to require Americans to buy health insurance. Chief Justice John Roberts, an appointee of President George W. Bush's and one of the court's conservative stalwarts, wrote the controlling rulling and was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in the majority.

U.S. Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, who represents Diamond Bar, said the ruling "particularly troubling given the fact that the Administration repeatedly claimed that the requirement was not a tax prior to the law’s passage. I continue to believe that the individual mandate is a breach of individual liberty, and that health care decisions are best left in the hands of patients and their families – not government bureaucrats..”

U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton, expressed his disappointment with the ruling.  Royce is running to represent Walnut in the newly formed 39^th District.

Royce also vowed to work to repeal the law.

“The President’s health care bill, one of the most intrusive bills this nation has ever seen, was a huge step toward a Washington-controlled health care system that rations care, limits choice, and reduces quality, innovation, and competition,” Royce said in a statement.  “Today’s disappointing ruling means it is now on Congress to reform the most egregious aspects of this law. In its current form the President’s health care law is bad news for patients, doctors and small businesses.”

Jay Chen, Royce's Democratic challenger for the 39th District seat, said he is happy with the ruling but not pleased that Republicans like Royce and others keep talking about a repeal of the legislation instead of focusing on jobs, transportation, and the country's other needs.

"Even though the Supreme Court is supposed to be non-partisan, people know that is has kind of been divided along ideological lines," Chen said.  "Conservatives and liberals joined together in a majority ruling, surprising many people.  On the court, there is bi-partisan consensus that this is the right thing for America."

Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair and California Democratic Party Vice-Chair Eric C. Bauman praised the ruling. Obama’s signature piece of legislation prevents the more than 44 million Americans without insurance from losing their chance to get coverage or be denied access because of a pre-existing condition, Bauman said in a statement.

"History always looks kindly on those who show strength and leadership in the face of extreme adversity,” he said. “Simply put, President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation of the last fifty years - legislation that Mitt Romney and the Republicans fought at every turn.”

Dr. Mitchell Katz, director of health services for Los Angeles County said the Supreme Court’s decision would make it possible for more than 80 percent of the 2.2 million people who are uninsured in the county to get access to affordable insurance coverage.

Katz said that more than half of the 2.2 million are eligible for coverage through Medi-Cal in 2014, but their health benefits will depend on California’s participation in the Medicaid expansion component of the law.

“While the ultimate decision on California’s participation is yet to be determined, the Supreme Court’s decision preserves a path for enrollment into Medi-Cal on January 1, 2014 for these individuals, as well as for three-quarters of a million other low-income Los Angeles County residents,” Katz said.  “In addition to those who will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal, three-quarters of a million additional County residents will be able to purchase affordable health insurance through the state’s health insurance exchange, take control of their health, and reduce pressure on our strained County-run health care system.”