Senators Enzi, Barrasso join amicus curiae brief to challenge health care law
by Senator Enzi and Barrasso joint media release
November 18, 2010
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to prevent further damage by the new health care law, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., signed on to an amicus curiae brief to challenge the constitutionality of the legislation.
The brief has the support of at least 30 other senators, 20 states and the non-partisan National Federation of Independent Business.
"The health care law is a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. Cleverly disguised as the ‘Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,’ the law’s true colors and devastating effects have been unfolding. This bill is a job-killer, threatens our small businesses and further throws our budget into a downward spiral," Enzi said. "Even the President acknowledges that the harmful 1099 provision of this law that punishes small businesses with burdensome tax paperwork needs to be repealed. Enough is enough. I will continue to fight against this law and work to put more effective measures in place."
"President Obama used every trick in the book to pass the health care law and force all Americans to buy a product they may not want," Barrasso said. "Republicans in the Senate won’t sit back and allow the White House to manipulate the Constitution to fit its agenda. This job-killing bill is bad for our health care system and our economy. Our amicus brief is another step in our fight to repeal and replace Obamacare."
A similar amicus curiae brief has been signed by members of the House of Representatives. In both briefs, members of Congress express their support for the State of Florida’s legal challenge claiming the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act violates the commerce clause of the Constitution. An amicus curiae brief allows members of Congress to inform the Court of their views. The briefs can be filed by individuals or groups who are not directly involved with a specific court case but have a position they hope will influence its outcome.
The Senate amicus curiae could be filed as early as this week.
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