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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- In a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, on a five to four vote, the Affordable Care Act, or as some call, “Obamacare,” was ruled constitutional.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear what we have known all along; that those trying to block healthcare reform are standing on the wrong side of history,” said Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa.

For some in southeast Iowa, the ruling reiterated the need for healthcare reform.

“Those benefits that are provided under this bill will stair-step in gradually, and I think that we are going to see many, many benefits for Iowans; particularly Iowans of middle income or lower income. They are going to see more coverage and they are going to have better healthcare then they have had in the past,” said State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield.

When it came to the decision by the court, State Representative Mary Gaskill of Ottumwa was pleased with the outcome, being that the court upheld that healthcare providers can’t impose lifetime limits on patients.

“More people have lost their homes because of that, and their livelihoods because of that. I talk to them when I am out knocking on doors, and it is just a really bad situation. So I am glad that is going to be there,” said Gaskill.

However, on the other side of the aisle, republicans say that his is going to put pressure on the states.

“Because this is a federal issue versus a state issue, most of the state people will not be affected as far as being able to make a decision on this. But, it is going to cost us all in states, a lot of money. So, it will be a state issue on where we get the money to pay for all of these things,” said Trudy Caviness, Chair of the Wapello County Republican Party.

As for the election, democrats say it is a victory for their base; while republicans say it is only motivation for their party.

“I think this is a great victory for President Obama and the democrats, but I also think it is a great victory for the American people,” said Wapello County Supervisor Steve Siegel.

“What it will do, it will probably increase turnout. It will probably increase volunteers. And hopefully, it will increase people who become knowledgeable on what is going on,” said Caviness.

As for members of congress who want to repeal the bill, Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack believes that they need to focus on issues that are more important.

“For those who want to repeal this bill, and apparently there are those who do, and will bring it to a vote in the house in the coming weeks; they are playing political games. Iowans do not want to do this any longer. They want to move on. They are tired of these political games. They want to focus on the more important issues, which are jobs and the economy," said Rep. Loebsack.