WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -
A landmark decision Thursday from the Supreme Court on Obamacare and it's a big win for the president.
The high court left the health care reform law standing.
Perhaps most surprising, the deciding vote in favor of the law was the court's conservative Chief Justice, John Roberts.
A divided Supreme Court Thursday supported the centerpiece of President Obama's health care reform law, upholding Obamacare as the law of the land.
Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's liberal wing for a five-four majority. Upholding Obamacare's individual mandate, which forced Americans to buy insurance or pay a penalty, a tax.
The Chief Justice wrote: "because the constitution permits such a tax, it is not our role to forbid it, or to pass upon its wisdom or fairness."
"The question is did Congress have the power and Chief Justice Roberts found a different power, " Tom Goldstein, a Scotusblog writer said.
The high court rejected a mandatory expansion of medicaid. Saying the federal government can ask states to provide new benefits but can
Not throw them out of the medicaid system if they don't.
It's one of the most sweeping decisions in decades. And will impact the health care every America can expect.
"Today's decision by supreme court is rigorous resounding confirmation of constitutionality of the affordable care act. It's great news for American families, businesses and the economy, " Senator Tom Harkin, (D) Iowa.
It's also a stunning victory for a president who wagered his political legacy on the health care fight.
Congressional Republicans vow they will dismantle the law.
What began as President Obama's signature achievement. Now an American legal landmark.
The court ended the legal fight over Obamacare . But the political battle goes on.
