(Undated) – Area lawmakers are reacting to the landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the individual mandate portion of the Obama administration's healthcare reform law can stand as a tax.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts says the mandate is within Congress' power to regulate taxes, but can't be exercised under the Commerce Clause.

Here are the reactions:

Indiana Gubernatorial Candidate John Gregg (D)

Daniel Altman, communications director for the Gregg for Governor campaign, released the following statement today in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act:

"As someone who beat cancer and as the father of a son with Type 1 diabetes, John Gregg knows first hand how unexpected healthcare costs affect Hoosier families and our economy.  Today’s ruling answers questions for the thousands of Hoosiers who are currently covered under this law.  Insurance companies cannot cut your insurance because you get sick.  They cannot deny your coverage because you have a pre-existing condition.  Young adults can stay on their parents’ policy while they look for a job.  Finally, senior citizens will continue to get a break on their prescription drug costs. 

We are currently examining the ruling to determine its effect on Indiana.  As Governor, John will bring Indiana patients, physicians, stakeholders and insurance companies together to discuss how to implement this law in the most cost effective and consumer friendly way for Indiana while also focusing on important issues like preventative healthcare and wellness that can lower healthcare costs for all Hoosiers. 

For the last dozen years, Congressman Pence has been part of the problem in Washington, siding with big insurance companies over Indiana families.  He has voted against guaranteeing Hoosiers access to health insurance, voted against health insurance for sick children, voted against prescription drug coverage for seniors and voted to let insurance companies take away coverage if Hoosiers get sick.  Indiana families deserve better."

Indiana Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Pence (R)

"I am deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision to uphold ObamaCare. This ruling erodes the freedom of every American, opening the door for the federal government to legislate, regulate, and mandate nearly every aspect of our daily lives under the guise of its taxing power. Today's decision affirms a massive tax increase on Hoosiers and is wholly inconsistent with the principles of personal responsibility and limited government that are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Congress must act immediately to fully repeal ObamaCare and protect Hoosier families, small businesses and family farms from its tax increases and mandates.

"If ObamaCare is not repealed in full, Hoosiers will face higher health care costs and increased taxes. It is estimated that the ObamaCare tax on medical devices will cost Indiana more than 2,000 jobs in the medical device sector. While the changes in the punitive measures included in ObamaCare appear to give Indiana more options, that is small compensation for higher taxes and a government mandate that reduces the freedom of every Hoosier.

"This national debate is far from over. Indiana and other states need the freedom and flexibility to develop health care solutions that best meet the needs of our citizens, without interference from Washington. We must face our challenges in health care with the belief in more freedom, not more government.

"The Supreme Court may have had its say on the last Thursday in June, but the American people will have their say on the first Tuesday in November."

U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-IN 9)

“Because of the negative effect on our economy and job creation, I’m disappointed that the so-called individual mandate requiring every American to purchase health insurance will stand.  However, I am pleased that the Court has affirmed that our federal government is constitutionally limited in its ability to regulate Americans’ lives.

“Despite the Court’s decision, there still is hope for those of us who regard this law as bad public policy.  The 2010 law most Americans know as Obamacare remains unpopular with a large majority of Hoosiers who demand the law be repealed or improved.  While it’s true that rapidly rising health care costs should be dealt with, Obamacare fails to control them and interferes with the doctor-patient relationship.   During this Congress, I have already cast 30 votes to repeal, replace or defund all or parts of the law.  Moving forward, I will continue to support implementing policies to allow health insurance to be purchased across state lines; to improve our costly medical malpractice system; to make health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts more prevalent; and a number of other proposals that will lower costs and increase access to care without adding to the federal bureaucracy.”

U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY 4)

“Though the Supreme Court’s decision is disappointing, it does not change the underlying truths of the President’s health care law.

“The law has neither reduced costs nor improved choice or care available to Americans.  The health care law is ‘paid for’ with half a trillion dollars in new taxes and another $500 billion in cuts to Medicare.  It punishes Americans who do not obtain ‘acceptable’ health insurance and penalizes employers that do not offer it.  It outsources Medicare decisions to an unelected rationing board, interferes in the patient-doctor relationship, and threatens consumers with fewer options and higher premiums.  Even though Americans will not feel the full brunt of its impact until 2014, the law hasalready proven to be a nightmare.

“We cannot mistake the Court’s ruling for an evaluation of effective, commonsense policy.  While the Supreme Court judged the health care law’s constitutionality, the American people and actuarial experts have already judged its quality — that it is a disaster for patients, small businesses and future generations of Americans.

“Congress must redouble its efforts to repeal the health care law so we can start anew on reforms that will increase patient access and quality of care while reducing costs.”

U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)

“I continue to support full repeal of the massively expensive ObamaCare law. The reality is ObamaCare has presented additional burdens to small businesses and levies new taxes that will hit American families and job creators in the years to come.  The law also fails to keep the President’s promise to let Americans keep the coverage they already have and enjoy.”

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) via CBS News

"Today's decision makes one thing clear: Congress must act to repeal this misguided law. Obamacare has not only limited choices and increased health care costs for American families, it has made it harder for American businesses to hire."

U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH 1)

“Today the high Court handed down a very disappointing ruling that upheld President Obama’s far left health care law. This decision sets a dangerous precedent for even further government intrusion into our lives and personal freedoms and must provide even greater incentive for conservatives to band together in support of a full repeal of this disastrous law.”

“Today’s decision must not be the end of the battle. I have voted to repeal Obamacare and I will continue to work to do so.  This hastily-crafted, politically-motivated law must be overturned and replaced with common-sense reforms to remedy our broken health care system.”