WASHINGTON—This week the Supreme Court finally hears oral arguments on President Barack Obama’s health care reform legislation. The decision by the court for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or simply the “Affordable Care Act” (ACA) is likely to set off a storm, whichever way it comes down. Most likely, the decision will be handed down at the end of June.
The ACA was initially called Obamacare only by the opponents of the law. Now even the supporters of the ACA, including the president’s website, my.barackobama.com , are asking the public to say, “I like Obamacare.”
The Supreme Court decision will affect 30 million uninsured Americans and likely impact the national elections of 2012. It could become the main issue that determines who occupies the White House and the party that controls Congress. Recognizing the importance of its decision, the court set aside six hours for discussion, which it hasn’t done since 1966.
At stake is whether the United States will remain “the only rich country without universal health care,” writes Adam Liptak, New York Times, March 11.
The health care reform has been compared to Medicare and Social Security by Obama’s aides, said Liptak, while Republican leaders fear it moves the country “dangerously close to European-style big government.”
Opponents of the law will rally on Capitol Hill on March 27, the second day of Supreme Court hearings. Rep. Michele Bachmann, Sen. Pat Toomey, Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Jim DeMint, Rep. Paul Ryan, Sen. Ron Johnson, and Rep. Alan West are slated to speak on the theme, Hands Off My Health Care. The rally is organized by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and is joined by coalition sponsors who include Tea Party affiliates and several other conservative organizations.
Supporters of the law will hold events outside the court on each day of oral arguments, according to the New York Times. Planned are speeches by people with medical problems who have benefited or could benefit by the ACA.
