GOP views Supreme Court as last line of defense on Obamacare
“It’s very probable that a number of provisions in this monstrosity violate constitutional principles,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions (Ala.), the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I think there will be a lot of ongoing litigation for years to come.”
By Alexander Bolton – 03/29/10 via The Hill
Republicans view Chief Justice John Roberts and the Supreme Court as a last line of defense against the new healthcare reform law.
President Barack Obama signed the sweeping healthcare law on Tuesday and later in the week challenged Republicans who vowed to campaign for its repeal to “go for it.”
Republicans admit it will be difficult for Congress to repeal the legislation in the next few years, but they see a potential ally in the Supreme Court.
“It’s very probable that a number of provisions in this monstrosity violate constitutional principles,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions (Ala.), the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I think there will be a lot of ongoing litigation for years to come.”
Sessions said the provision in the law that requires individuals to buy insurance or face a penalty raises “very serious constitutional questions.”
“I think the Supreme Court could very well confront that issue and there will be others in the legislation,” he said.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said last week that “repeal and replace” would be the GOP campaign slogan of 2010.
But Republican lawmakers acknowledge it will be difficult to do so legislatively, at least in the foreseeable future.
Even if Republicans capture majorities in the Senate and House, Obama would veto any repeal legislation. And if Obama loses re-election, Republicans must still overcome the 60-vote hurdle in the Senate.
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