Today, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in Hobby Lobby vs. Sebelius, a case challenging the ability of the government to force employers to provide services that violate their rights of conscience. Republicans and Democrats have joined together to support legislation that would overturn the coercive mandate.
H.R. 940, the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, was introduced by Congressman Diane Black (R-TN), and is cosponsored by 188 members of the House. Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) is an original cosponsor of the bill. While Congressman Pitts supports the bill, he has a policy of not cosponsoring legislation referred to the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, which he chairs.
"I am very pleased that the Supreme Court will consider whether Obamacare is violating the religious freedom of employers," said Congressman Pitts. "One employer in my own district, Conestoga Wood Specialties, has been fighting alongside Hobby Lobby. Conestoga and people of faith across the nation are waiting to see if the court will protect their constitutional right to live out that faith in the marketplace."
"I am pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to review the Obama Administration's contraceptive mandate," said Congressman Diane Black. "Being an American means being able to freely choose our faith and live by the dictates of that faith at home, at church, and in the public square. This Administration's assault on religious liberty is an affront to our Constitution and the Supreme Court must now use this opportunity to preserve the liberties that our country was founded upon by striking down the HHS' unconstitutional mandate."
"I'm pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to hear this case that, at its core, is about preserving the most fundamental of American rights: the rights to religious liberty and conscience," said Congressman Lipinski. "Although I am hopeful the justices will recognize that the HHS mandate infringes upon these basic constitutional rights, I will continue to be a strong supporter of the Health Care Conscience Rights Act to preserve these freedoms and protect Americans so they can practice their beliefs as they choose."