Today, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral argument in two cases challenging the HHS mandate: Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius.
Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) issued the following statement:
"No American should be forced to choose between following their faith and complying with a burdensome government mandate. The HHS mandate is an unconstitutional restriction of religious freedom that forces employers to choose between dropping their health care coverage or face crippling fines of up to $36,500 per employee per year, simply for following their conscience. America has a deeply held tradition of respecting the freedom of conscience, and our laws should not force individuals or businesses to violate these beliefs just to operate a business or access health insurance.
The First Amendment guarantees that we have freedom to live our lives according to our religious beliefs and moral convictions, free from government coercion. Freedom of conscience can include nothing less than the way a person lives all aspects of his or her life. As a nation, our laws should encourage and support--not penalize--citizens who seek to consistently adhere to their moral convictions."
To date,94 cases have been filed challenging the constitutionality of the HHS mandate. Of the 47 cases filed by for-profit businesses, 33 have received injunctive relief while their cases are pending.
A decision is expected by June. Congressman Forbes and Senator Blunt led 88 Members of Congress in anamicus curiae brief, supporting Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood. Congressman Forbes and Senator Boozman also coauthored an op ed on the mandate earlier this month.