Ted Cruz, Veteran of 9 Supreme Court Arguments, Says First Amendment on Trial Today
Rob Bluey /
Photo: Jeff Malet
Ted Cruz has argued nine cases before the U.S. Supreme Court in his lifetime, more than any other current member of Congress. Today, as a U.S. senator from Texas, Cruz is making a different kind of argument—one in the court of public opinion.
On his Facebook page and in a statement released by his office, Cruz has declared his support for the families who own Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties in their First Amendment challenge of an Obamacare mandate.
Oral arguments in both cases take place today at the Supreme Court.
Photo: Caitlin Burke
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“The Supreme Court has the opportunity to affirm our fundamental right to religious freedom,” Cruz said. “Time and time again, President Obama has granted exemptions to the politically powerful, yet refuses to grant the same leniency to those for whom Obamacare’s contraception mandate infringes on their beliefs.
“I urge the court to unequivocally stand up for the First Amendment rights of all Americans and stop the government from forcing employers with valid religious objections to violate their faith,” he added.
Cruz is no stranger to the nation’s highest court. As the solicitor general of Texas, he found himself arguing some of the most consequential cases of the last decade. On his Senate webpage, he lists six cases that established “landmark national victories”:
- U.S. sovereignty against the United Nations and the World Court in Medellin v. Texas;
- The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms;
- The constitutionality of the Texas Ten Commandments monument;
- The constitutionality of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance;
- The constitutionality of the Texas Sexually Violent Predator Civil Commitment law; and
- The Texas congressional redistricting plan.
Cruz has filed more than 80 briefs in Supreme Court cases, including one defending Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties. Sens. John Cornyn (R–Texas), Mike Lee (R –Utah) and David Vitter (R–La.), also signed that amicus brief.
>>> Read More: What Exactly This Hobby Lobby Case Is About
This story was produced by The Foundry’s news team. Nothing here should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of The Heritage Foundation.