Members of Congress Support Sissel Case

12/02/15

By Hadley Heath

Today 46 Members of Congress, led by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), filed an Amicus Curiae brief in support of the plaintiffs in Sissel v. HHS. This case challenges the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, alleging that because the bill originated in the Senate and raises revenues, it violates the Origination Clause. Here is a link to their brief.

Here's what the Congressmen had to say about their action, from their press release about the Amicus brief:

The brief traces the historical foundation of the Origination Clause, demonstrating that the chamber closest to the people and elected every two years has the sole power to originate revenue raising bills. The Origination Clause, found in Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, requires that “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills." Obamacare, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court on the grounds that it was a tax (aka a "Bill for raising Revenue") instead originated in the Senate.

Pacific Legal Foundation is handling the litigation of this case. You can read more about their efforts here.

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