Boehner warns GOP against 'spiking the ball' on health care ruling

(CNN) -- House Speaker John Boehner issued a warning Thursday, June 21st to fellow House Republicans, firmly stating they should avoid celebrating if the Supreme Court overturns the controversial health care law passed by Democrats.

"No one knows what the Court will decide, and none of us would presume to know. But if the Court strikes down all or part of the president's health care law, there will be no spiking of the ball," Boehner said in a memo to GOP members of the chamber.

The Supreme Court is expected to soon make a decision on the law's constitutionality. At issue is the legality of the measure's health care mandate, a provision that has remained the center of a bitter partisan debate since the law was passed more than two years ago.

Republicans, who frequently refer to the measure as "Obamacare," have especially made the law a hot button topic on the campaign trail. Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney repeatedly says he will attempt to repeal the law on his first day in office should he win November's election.

Even if the high court rules in favor of Republicans' argument against the controversial law, Boehner on Thursday encouraged House members to stay focused on the economy--not claiming victory.

"We will not celebrate at a time when millions of our fellow Americans remain out of work, the national debt has exceeded the size of our nation's economy, health costs continue to rise, and small businesses are struggling to hire," Boehner stated.

A majority of Americans-51%--say they oppose the health care law, according to the latest CNN/ORC International Poll conducted in late May. However, it should be noted that nearly one in six oppose the law on the grounds that it is not liberal enough.

Arguing the law is a major threat to economic recovery, the speaker said the House will work on legislation to repeal any part of the law "that is left standing by the Supreme Court."

"Such action is critical for jobs and our economy and for the health care of millions of American families," he said.

Responding to the memo, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's office released its own note, chastising Republicans for railing against the law.

"It is a sad day when Republicans continue to cheer against the health benefits Americans are already enjoying, while running out the clock on the economy and pursuing policies that are dangerous to a thriving middle class. No one, except perhaps House Republicans, actually believes they 'are focused on the economy'," the note stated. "Health care reform is not a game for the American people."

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