Staff Report
From the Office of Attorney General Luther Strange
(MONTGOMERY, Ala).–Attorney General Luther Strange, 25 other attorneys general, the National Federation of Independent Business and four individual plaintiffs will begin oral argument to defend Americans’ individual liberty before the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, March 26. The Supreme Court has allotted an unprecedented six hours of time for oral argument, which will conclude on Wednesday, March 28. Paul Clement, former U.S. Solicitor General, will argue on behalf of the states.
“This is a critically important case for the American people,” remarked Attorney General Strange. “Our Constitution says that the federal government is one of limited, enumerated powers. If Obamacare is upheld, then it would put us on a path where Congress could regulate each and every phase of our lives. That may be President Obama’s view of the federal government’s power under the Constitution. But it was not the Founders’ view, and it is not the view of the freedom-loving people I am proud to serve.”
“I want to thank NFIB Alabama and its director Rosemary Elebash for all of their work on this issue. The NFIB plays a crucial role in promoting the importance of small business in Alabama and across the country, and their work in this lawsuit has been instrumental.”
The argument schedule is as follows:
- Monday, March 26, 10 a.m.
- The Court will hear 90 minutes of argument on the federal Anti-Injunction Act
- Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m.
- The Court will hear two hours of argument on the constitutionality of the individual mandate.
- Wednesday, March 28, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – AG Strange to attend
- At 10 a.m., the Court will hear 90 minutes on the issue of severability.
- At 1 p.m., the Court will hear one hour of argument on expansion of Medicaid programs.
The Court is expected to issue a decision by the end of June 2012. For more information on the health care lawsuit, please visit http://www.healthcarelawsuit.us/.
