Latham, Boswell Have Opposing Reactions to Supreme Court Health Care Ruling

Tom Latham and Leonard Boswell, opponents in the race for Iowa's District 3 Congressional seat, released opposing reactions to the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act today.

Boswell, the Democratic incumbent for District 3 and the Congressman who currently represents Polk County, praised the decision. Latham, a Republican and currently the incumbent in Iowa's District 4, decried the ruling on his Facebook page.

The two will square off in November's election for Iowa’s new 3rd District that runs from Polk County to the southwest corner of the state. This area includes both Polk and Dallas counties.

Here are their statements:

Boswell:

“The highest court in the land spoke today and found the Affordable Care Act constitutional. Millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and health care providers, have won today. No one will ever be denied coverage for having a pre-existing condition. If you’re a young adult, you can be covered under your parent’s plan until your 26 years old. Seniors will continue seeing the gap in their prescription drug coverage close and will be able to take advantage of preventative care, like cancer screenings, without having a co-pay or deductible.

 This decision reaffirms a major victory for the middle class and I will be working to make sure the health care law continues to serve Americans’ health care needs and provides families with the necessary security and stability for the future. Now that this law has been reaffirmed, it is time for opponents to stop spreading misinformation in their attempts to confuse the American people on this law.  Enrolling approximately 30 million additional Americans in health insurance is an achievement we can be proud of as we act to fulfill our responsibility to those in need. It’s time for ALL to work together to make sure the law is enacted fairly and properly.”

Latham:

"While the Supreme Court has the duty to determine the constitutionality of the health care law, it does not have the authority to determine if it is good or bad policy for hardworking Americans. Thankfully, it is still the American people who ultimately have the power and the right to make that final judgment.

I opposed and voted against the health care law because it is bad policy that ignored the voices of the people. Congress must set its sights on completely replacing this bad law with measures that truly will lower health care costs for hardworking taxpayers. I have offered a solution made up of better ideas that offer better solutions that will produce the best results for everyone. My patient-centered approach empowers the American people, not Washington bureaucrats, to choose the best health care plan for themselves, and it puts them in control of their health care, not the government.

As we move forward, I continue to stand ready to work with any of my colleagues in Congress, regardless of political affiliation, who are willing to enact real solutions for the benefit of the American people."

What do you think of the ruling? Will it influence how you vote? Tell us in the comments.