Reaction to the Supreme Court's decision upholding the federal health-care law split along party lines among the mid-Hudson's Congressional representatives, with Democrats praising the ruling and Republicans condemning it.

Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook: “When I ran for Congress in 2010, I heard time and time again from my constituents across New York that we need health-care reform, but that the President’s health care bill was not the answer. In addition to multiple tax increases, failing to address rising costs, harming small businesses, and significantly increasing government involvement in health care, this bill stepped on our freedoms. Although the Supreme Court upheld the law by determining that the mandate equates to a tax on every American, it does not change what has become an indisputable reality in the last two years – the ACA is not the solution. We need to enact health care reform that lowers costs and increases access to quality care while protecting our freedoms.

“I respect that the Supreme Court has spoken, and the solution now must be legislative. We should begin substantive, bipartisan discussion on commonsense reforms – a number of which I have cosponsored or voted on already. I’m confident our replacement solutions can include insurance reform for wider access to options and choices, including coverage until 26 and beyond, medical liability reform, coverage for preexisting conditions and an assurance that coverage can’t be dropped when you get sick.”

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY: “I am pleased the Supreme Court reaffirmed the hard-fought progress that was made to ensure that no one can be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition, young adults will be covered, prescription drug costs for seniors will be reduced, preventive care including life-saving mammograms will be accessible and that insurance companies can't cancel their coverage when you get sick. It is time to get beyond scoring political points and get back to finding common core values and passing legislation that will help grow our economy and get more people back to work.”

Rep. Nan Hayworth, R-Mount Kisco: "Today's Supreme Court decision does not change the fact that the massive 2010 government health-care takeover harms, rather than helps, our patients, doctors, hospitals, and other providers. It imposes nearly $2 trillion worth of bureaucracy and excessive regulation; it has caused health insurance premiums to increase for families struggling to make ends meet; and it raises taxes at a time when we should be lowering them.

“I will continue to apply the knowledge I've gained in medical practice and as the Representative for the Hudson Valley to repeal the 2010 law and pass common-sense, consumer-driven reforms that will free our patients and their families to make their own decisions about their health care; free our doctors, hospitals, and other providers to do their best without being tied up in government red tape; and free our innovators to create the advances that will help all of us to live longer, healthier lives.”

Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley: "With this decision, we can now enjoy the greatest victory for improving the health and well-being of all Americans since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. I applaud the Court for not allowing politics to interfere with its job of upholding the Constitution. As a result of this ruling, millions of Americans will now be able to keep or gain access to quality health insurance coverage, seniors will face lower costs for prescription drugs, and children can stay on their parents' plans until they're 26 years old.

"The Affordable Care Act was one of, if not the most, significant pieces of legislation I voted for during my 20 years in Congress. I proudly voted for it because all American deserve access to quality, affordable health insurance, not just a select group."

The original article published in the Times Herald-Record can be found here.