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Question of the week: In light of this week's Supreme Court ruling, what course of action do you support?

Posted by Randy | June 29, 2012

Thursday, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including its individual mandate that virtually all Americans buy health insurance, is constitutional on the grounds that it constitutes a permissible tax imposed by the federal government. Congressman Forbes voted against the enactment of this legislation and has called for a repeal of the law which is causing significant burdens for small business employers.

Read the text of the Supreme Court decision here.

Read Congressman Forbes' reaction to the Supreme Court's decision here.

Question of the week: In light of this week's Supreme Court ruling, what course of action do you support?

( ) Despite the legislation being ruled constitutional, I believe the health care law is bad policy and should be repealed in its entirety.

( ) I believe parts, but not all, of the health care law constitute bad policy and should be repealed. (Share specific provisions you would like to see repealed below.)

( ) I support the health care law in its entirety and believe no legislative action should be taken.

( ) I’m not sure.

( ) Other (Please share your thoughts below)

Take the poll here.

Find the results of last week’s instaPoll here.

Comments

Users are solely responsible for the opinions they post here and their comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Congressman Forbes.

Pat Strickland commented on 6/29/2012

I think the provisions for covering preexisting conditions and covering students to age 26 should stay
Sandra Brosch commented on 6/29/2012

To begin with I believe the entire bill should be repealed and afterwards issues dealt with on an individual basis. For example, malpractice caps would reduce health costs; allowing individuals to keep their policies should they move to a different state. I do believe that pre-existing conditions should be covered, possibly with some limitations for the first year. In no way should the federal government be involved in an individual's (or a business's) right to decline health insurance coverage. While it may be that the insurance companies need some regulations, this country is about free enterprise not socialism or tyrannies. What has happened to our right to the pursuit of happiness? How can we as a nation project the image of the "American Dream" to those who would like to live in this country when that dream is being taken from our own citizens?
Robert Balducci commented on 6/29/2012

The court's ruling makes it clear that Congress' authority to tax is unlimited. Congress does not have the will to limit this authority. It now become the responsibility of the states to limit Congress' authority. That means the time has come for the states, ie people, to call for a constitutional convention to correct the federal govt's power and to place the people back in charge of their own affairs.
Thomas G commented on 6/29/2012

We should do what many wanted to do in the first place...extend Medicare to the entire population. The nation would solidly support this most effective of all cost containment approach.
William Simonson commented on 6/29/2012

Congressman Forbes. The legislation went through the process that is prescribed by our Constitution and was upheld by the Supreme Court. Of course it isn't perfect but it provides health insurance to millions who previously did not have access. For example, my cousin's wife has a special needs child who they were unable to find health insurance for. Thank God that they now have insurance for that poor child. I think it is time to be positive and try to get something accomplished, like pass legislation that will create new jobs! Life is not black and white and neither is government. I pray that both parties will actually try to work together rather than simply closing their minds to anyone else's ideas. Thank you.
Carl Schellenberg commented on 6/29/2012

Well Randy once again you are on the wrong side of the issue and the wrong side of history. Eventually we will have a single payer system, (yes, government run...by you guys), and the USA will join most of the world with a health system that caters to the people, not the insurance industry. Until then, the Affordble Care Act is the law and as its many functions are implemented, more and more citizens will understand why it was the right thing to do.
Kristen Wack commented on 6/29/2012

I believe that all citizens of this country deserve the right to access healthcare. While I deeply dislike the mandate to purchase insurance from for-profit insurance companies, the strain it will place on small employers, and utter lack of premium cost controls, it is better than doing nothing. I would prefer universal healthcare, but understanding the influence of the powerful insurance lobby, I would settle for a public option or health insurance cooperatives to give for-profits competition from not-for-profits to contain costs.
John Bruner commented on 6/29/2012

I fully support the health care law that has been passed. It is not perfect. Our current system is much further from perfect. It is not really a market based system, since most insured people get their insurance through their employer, and the employer selects the insurance. The employer is "the purchasing customer" to insurance companies, and as such the employer's needs tend to be primary. One proof of this is the fact that those individuals who purchase their own insurance are treated the worst by the companies, as their rates are much higher and their prices rise at a faster rate. Since these people are both selecting the company and paying the premium, they should be regarded as the best customers, receive the best services and have the benefit of the best rates. By changing the system now that the opportunity is present, we can begin the process of evolving the entire health system to one that is responsive to the needs of the customer/patient. Then we will have a system that can be described as market based. Given that the law will result in many more people receiving health care that is paid for through private insurance, I find the claims that the government is "taking over health care" to be hollow rhetoric. Accept the bill and begin the process of changing the system now. Debate the strengths and weaknesses and make the change that will improve it. If you scrap it, it will take another 20 years to begin the process, and by then we may have a much larger portion of our citizenry who receive health care in the same way as it is delivered in the third world.
Robert Woodward commented on 6/29/2012

There are strong positive provisions in the ACA. The law should be implemented, states should work to care for their citizens, who are covered by it's expanded coverage provision instead of fighting the change. The law should be reviewed and adjusted in some of it's policy provisions are inefficient.
Kevin Huxford commented on 6/29/2012

I was appalled at your initial response to the ruling, which was to say that the Supreme Court didn't do their job. You disrespected the court as you suggested they didn't respect their duties. I don't think the law is perfect, but it is constitutional. I think it needs to be fixed, but I'd be diametrically opposed to you in how it needs to be fixed. I'd love to see reliable polling on this district to see where your constituents stand. If it was available, I'm relatively certain you'd be shown to be acting against the wishes of the people who elected you.
Tom Sadler commented on 6/29/2012

If its repealed then Republicans should have a plan thats better, less costly, less obtrusive, and find a way to keep doctors in their profession. I'm old enough to have to go to several doctors most of them younger than me that are considering retirement. The shenanigans of politicians keeps them uncertain about their professional future. Please redo the bill slowly and with cooperation from both parties. It doesn't have to be perfect. Perfection is the enemy of good. The politicians can tweak it to make it better as we go along but only for the good of the people not the big medical lobbies.
J D commented on 6/29/2012

If the United States Congress can pass a law mandating that I must buy a certain product or else pay a "tax" then in what sense can I ever call myself a free citizen? Let's say GM continues to have financial problems. What's to stop them from coming to Congress, hat in hand, to lobby for an American Autoworkers Protection Act, which would mandate that anyone purchasing a vehicle in the United States after such-and-such date must buy said vehicle from GM, or else pay a tax? No matter how much the President's allies deny it, THIS is the practical result of this Supreme Court decision. Congress can make us do anything that pops into their heads, as long as they leave us the option of not doing it and paying a tax instead. American Safety Act: Buy a gun, or pay the tax. Healthy and Happy Act: Buy salad every time you go grocery shopping, or pay the tax. Get Moving Act: Purchase a gym membership annually, or pay the tax. Better Homes and Gardens Act: Hire an illegal alien to do your lawn, or pay the tax. Clear enough for you? Once this precedent has been set, we are no longer free in any meaningful sense. The excuse given by every tyrant in history is always, "It's for your own good."
Bruce Andrews commented on 6/29/2012

Justice Roberts needs to be replaced by the best and fastest legal means avilable. One man should not be able to make us a slave to the taxing power of someone like Obama and the democrates His rewriting of the bill to make it legal and strip the citizens and the states of their rights cannot be tolerated. What will they do next. Like some politicans want to tax you guns until the average citizen can't protect them self from the government Check out the number of people that die in wars and then checkout how many died under Stalin in peace. Look at China, Vietman and Cambodia.
Mary Tyler commented on 6/30/2012

I support the ACA, partly because it is a fair balance between human needs and industry, but mostly because I have seen the Republican party offer zero better ideas. And being that "Obamacare" is, at its core, really "Romneycare," of *course* they aren't offering better ideas--these were their best ideas in the first place! I have two children with chronic illnesses. They would be virtually uninsurable as adults without the provisions of ObamaCares. You're playing politics with my children's lives, Mr Forbes. And I don't appreciate it.
Kelli Swinney commented on 6/30/2012

I think the SCOTUS has failed us. The healthcare law is unconstitutional, plain and simple. Term limits for justices.... it is ridiculous for anyone to have this kind authority and power. Yes, we need affordable healthcare but not at the expense of our liberty and freedom. With the decision (or re-writing law - whick he doesn't have the authority to do ) by Justice Roberts -- now the government will mandate every aspect of our lives. Currently, all branches of our government is failing "We the People".
Robert Kiefaber commented on 6/30/2012

Overall this is good legislation. However every law can be improved and as this one was passed because of compromise between the medical insurance industry and gov't., the " public option" to help competition would be a good start.
R. G. commented on 6/30/2012

What many here are neglecting to see is that SCOTUS has just granted congress the power to tax a non-action. The floodgates have been flung open, as that wholly corrupt body will seek to tax everything in a desperate move to keep the status quo crony system going. Quite literally, you can now be FORCED to either : 1) engage in some form of transaction favored by the ruling oligarchy in this country 2)'opt out' and pay a heavy fee.....errrr, tax that isn't a tax but is nevertheless 'legal' because it is 'authorized' under the authority to tax Can no one see the absolute tyranny in this? We're going to argue over individual provisions in a 3,000 page monstrosity of corruption and justify support for such because people need healthcare? Well, people need food and water too. So how about congress pass another bill, maybe 4,000 pages this time, mandating that we buy government-approved bottled water? If we refuse, well then we shall be forced to pay a penalty/fee/tax whatever. After all, it is the 'responsible' thing to do, right? Wake up people. This is yet another major instance comprising a very long and ongoing train of usurpations our government has engaged in over the last several decades. We are slowly being crushed into a debt-slave nation of SUBJECTS, and the sooner we see vile moves like this from SCOTUS for what they are, the sooner we can take back and restore our Constitutional Republic. On a parting note, and perhaps as a way to help see through the fog of competing agendas obscuring the issue, ask yourselves this: Do you believe it is a GOOD and NECESSARY thing that the IRS is hiring 15,000 more enforcement agents in preparation for this? Can you smell the tyranny yet?
William Ball commented on 6/30/2012

The only part of that abomination that should be left in effect is : requiring insurance companies to provide coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions and provide coverage as long as it is needed. Please hurry November.
John Thrash commented on 6/30/2012

This law should stand, and as the President stated, be improved. The effort to overturn this law was always wrong. Indeed, although no republican voted for final passage, many of their amendments were included in the law. By law, hospitals must care for people arriving with illness and injury whether or not they are insured or able to pay for services independently. That means that everybody is paying for these services, because of higher charges to everybody to make up the differences. Why do you think that a Tylenol tablet administered by a nurse cost $15! What this bill does is to try to encourage everybody to purchase health insurance--something that many people do not do, including young adults who seem to believe that they are subject to illness or injury. Furthermore, if a person purchases health insurance, they are not impacted in respect to being subjected to a fee or fine. The spurious argument that this is a government takeover is just plain crazy. Indeed, right now, private insurers "approve" physician visits, require referrals and demand that physician prescriptions and procedures be changed and controlled. This law will need refinement over the years, but it is a good and necessary law and will support the great majority of Americans. Those, who argue that this law attacks the "American Dream" are dead wrong. It supports the American Dream, but attempts that all participate in the American Dream. Those who claim that we have the right to decline health insurance coverage, should also be prepared to demand that those citizens are ineligible for health care service. But, of course, the law, as it should if the law is to be humane, requires such services, which we all pay for through increased premiums. I could never vote for a congressman or senator seeking to repeal this law.
Robin Allmon-Sherry commented on 6/30/2012

I blame the American people for our government being in the shape that it is in today. Had people been paying attention to just who is being elected and their back ground we would not be having this discussion today. I don't believe in government taking over health care.
Kirit Mehta commented on 6/30/2012

By this law Government has been given ultimate power to control your life by taxing you on your behavier ( what medical treatment you can get,who qualifies for such treatment, what type of car you can drive, how much you can drive, what type of food you can eat etc.). Don't belive it? Just look at New York law which prohibits serving 16 oz soda in restaurants. It is none of Government's business to tell us how we should live our lives.
David W commented on 7/1/2012

The individual mandate is wrong. It puts a greater burden on the poor, particularly singles without children. And the mandate is very dangerous considering that Congress can now force Americans to buy any expensive product "to promote interstate commerce". Covering preexisting conditions and children to age is 26 is good. However, instead of a ridiculous donut hole healthcare law, I support universal healthcare for EVERY AMERICAN! The only way to fight growing healthcare costs is for the government to stand-up to greedy businesses. Congress should just pass a law that gives Medicare (plus dental and eye care coverage) for every American. Congress could then eliminate Medicaid and subsidies to planned parenthood, along with other subsidies I expect that are occurring. Electives, such as birth control and abortions, should not be covered.
Jason Ford commented on 7/1/2012

I want an opt out! I want to opt out of all government programs, obamacare, medicare, social security, etc. Health insurance is pill care, vaccine care, and surgery care, none of which I ever wish to use. I'll stick with my natureopathic and homeopathic doctors, thank you.I know not a single one of these programs is going to be a net benefit to me or my family ever. Let me be responsible for myself, and don't make me be responsible for others. When and if I ever need more help I have a church family to care for me. I could do much more charity if half my income was not stolen at gunpoint by the federal, state and county governments!
Greg Lee commented on 7/2/2012

I think an immediate vote to repeal in the House will not accomplish much. The Senate will surely not approve it. I'd like to see the R's focus on the upcoming debt cieiling/budget debate and use this rulling to educate the American people on the 20+ tax increases and the COST of this legislation. The DEMS want this ....now let's help them show the country what it will cost and how they plan to pay for it.
Robert Paxson commented on 7/2/2012

Not a big supporter of Obamacare, but it is better than nothing (or what we had before...at least my 25 year old son has insurance now under my policy). All I hear from Mitt Romney (and your poll) is "repeal Obamacare on day one." Until I hear what you intend to replace it with it is hard to decide if I want Obamacare or not. Enough already of the repeal Obamacare commercials...tell me what you intend to do to fix healthcare. As bad as Obamacare is repealing it without a replacment bill is a step backwards.
T L commented on 7/2/2012

The law should be repealed in its entirety. What ever happened to free enterprise and freedom of choice? I work and pay for my health insurance, why should I be made to pay for someone else’s insurance. The times of entitlements are over. If you want health insurance, pay for it yourself. If you don't want health insurance that is your choice as well. Freedom of choice and people taking responsibility for their own actions is what this country needs more of. As for the Supreme Court ruling on this law, maybe it’s time for 4-5 of them to retire and get new members who know what the majority of the people in the country want. However, I hope they retire after November so Obama would be out of the White House and someone competent could nominate the new members. I only wish that Condoleezza Rice would have run for President as a Republican in 2008. The country would be better now if she had.
Bill Whitacre commented on 7/2/2012

"We the People" did not vote on a "new" tax for national health care. All my working life I have paid into Medicare and Social Security in addition to all the Fed and State taxes that were voted on and supported by the majority voting. After hearing only about the 2700 + pages dumped on Congress and the strong arm tactics used to push this mandate thru both houses, one can only wonder where is all the in site to the issue of how health cost are out of control and why isn't half of the 2700 pages aimed at lowering health care ins charges ( show us the spreadsheets ), streamlining Government envolment and improvement to lower over all cost. Again, we have paid in all our lives for Government programs And supported our companies ins programs thru withdraws from our pay checks...If the systems broke it can not and should not be the fault of those who have done their part thru years of employment. First - run the system as an open book and demand to show improvement now. Then talk about how a national health care will be a better deal by showing tax payers a monetary improvement and owning that commitment to the voters but allowing the tax payers to stop supporting any failed or costly policy. What about jobs coming back to the USA? Bring back pulp and paper industry, textiles, pipelines to carry water across the USA, more refineries for fuel, call centers. These are long term jobs that make a sustainable product. What about buy American Products First? Taxpayers would rather support a pack of underwear made in the USA rather than support a tax on programs that don't reduce our debt. We also know there will need to be more taxes to reduce our national debt but we want all that additional monies to go right on the debt payment not into the Government coffers and then only a portion will make it to our dept. Why are we told thru a lop sided media to "look over hear!" (Don't Ask - Don't Tell), ( Same Sex Marriage ) (Health Care Amendment), when we are on a collision with each other on Values and no concrete changes on our stability as a nation. Happy July 4th. Independence is slipping away, we as a nation need something / someone to lead us back to hope. Another $1.3 trillion in debt is not hope.
Thomas G commented on 7/2/2012

This was a wonderful day for the citizens of America with a conscience, a grasp of biblical guidance that compels us to do this, and it sets the stage to expose those that are consumed with obstruction, greed, who desire to widen the income gap and leave in place blind vision that perpetrates corporate corruption but feeds bloodthirsty contempt in the cold hearts of the opposition. The republican spin is so predictable, so discredited, so ugly and so utterly absent of righteous commitment for good deed. One thing that has been exposed is that there are far fewer 'ditto-heads' than their used to be. You can still identify them in the arguments, but clearly the public is far beyond the representatives that try to hide the truth from the public. This public is done begging the obstructionists to cooperate in order to move the nation forward. This public will be making historic changes in the congress this November. In my view congressman Forbes, you have seriously let your district down. You've overspent, widened the income gap, failed to create jobs, acted to perpetuate unjust wars, busted budgets, gave us expensive gas, did nothing on health care, interfered in university non-discrimination policies, attempted to roll back financial industry reforms, advocated keystone pipeline through critical acquifiers the Nebraska legislation opposed by unamimous vote and tried to shutdown the government 3 times in one year. The public deserves more than supporting you when your allegiance is to the blackmail of Grover Norquist and not to the voters you serve. It is SHAMEFUL sir that you support giving tax cuts to the wealthy that are 2 times greater than the cost of implementing this historic cost controlling legislation that cares for so many millions of people you sir through inaction have allowed the insurance company to disgracefully abuse for years.
Penny Rorrer commented on 7/2/2012

I am thrilled that the Supreme Court upheld the only hope for millions to be able to get health coverage and hope that it remains available so that those suffering without being able to get medical treatment will be able to finally do so. You could never imagine the terror that comes from losing a job and the insurance you have paid for within days of the loss just before a surgery to remove a mass then being unable to find any way to have that surgery and after almost two years hunting for a job, getting one and waiting the 90 days to be able to opt in to the insurance then having to wait an additional 120 days to be allowed to use it on any pre-existing condition (that means anything you have seen a Dr about in the past, such as asthma, high blood pressure, acne, cancer follow-ups, diabetes, etc) for an additional 120 days after you start paying for insurance and fearing that they will decide not to cover you at all or not to cover some or all of your pre-existing conditions. This is not just some abstract theory... this is life... my life. The Affordable Healthcare Law will not really help me until 2014 when it comes to pre-existing conditions... but it will help others in the future and it needs to stay... it is the ONLY hope for so many. It is not a "point to discuss" or a "impingement on liberties" ... it is the chance to save lives.
Ml Anderson commented on 7/2/2012

I fully support the bill as it stands. When things were left to the market and Congress previously, that is the disaster that lead to reform. At least the President did do something, besides complain, of which that is what your polls having kneading questions seem to do. shame on you, you well educated man , acting like a child.
Jacque Ash commented on 7/4/2012

Randy, I am, after almost 4 years of Obama and his administration- socialist, communist, ludicrously leftists, various other czars and appointments-, size of Govt. grown to point of explosion, bold-faced 'look them in the eye and lie' actions and speeches, so disgusted I know not what to do! Every move Obama, Pelosi, Reed, Holder, Sebelius, E. Rogers, Bernanke, Paulson, Biden, DeParle, Napolitano and others make seriously appears to be following some plan or 'blueprint' to turn this nation into the 'Socialist Republic of America'! Lenin in the Soviet communist state said, "Socialized government control of health care is the keystone to the arch of a socialist state". Hello--is there anyone that can 'wake up the masses of American peoples'? Looks like Obama's appointees to the Supreme Court paid off in Sotomayor and Kagan, described by the Faith and Freedom Coalition as 'two radical ACLU-style Leftists'. Obamacare, while just one in a very long list of 'laws', decisions, bills, actions, dictates, activities, plots, plans, behind the back agenda, is the one that will take this country down completely as we know it. With such a large percent of the population, citizenry and Illegals, at present receiving 'hand-outs' and subsidies from the Obama Govt. -and steady advertising for more to sign up-' those of us still working and being taxed to death every step of the way from local to federal to hidden taxes, can't cover it all if every cent we made was taken away! (Not to mention the $16 trillion they've run up --no wonder everything you look to buy comes from---China! And the rest of the world looks at us like we're a nation falling apart--which we seem to be. I just hope and pray God doesn't desert us, regadless of the ACLU, the Supreme Court and 'political correctness'...........it seems as though sanity and common sense surely has. Please God-Bless America.
Nancy Dodson commented on 7/14/2012

There is so much misinformation in some of these posts: There is no death panel. That was just crazy Sarah Palin's rant. If you already have insurance you keep it. If you are low income you pay what you can into the plan and if not you are still covered. Geez, maybe the babied and protected millionaires and billionaires could shell out a stipend for the poor. Ya think? For all of you hard hearted folk who have no "conservative compassion" I have a little story for you. My husband had a 5 bypass heart operation a year ago and just his hospital bill was $229,000.00. We are blessed to have insurance but what would someone do that had no insurance? They would either die or you and I would pay for it. The uninsured are the reason that hospital bills have risen so much. They don't take care of the poor for nothing and you pay for it anyway. Why not be kind and shell out a little if you can and take care of those who can't take care of themselves? It's the Christian thing to do.

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