Shortly after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law two years ago, the National Federation of Independent Business joined a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. After victories in district court and federal appeals court, Obamacare goes before the U.S. Supreme Court next week.
Karen Harned, executive director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, has argued passionately on behalf of business owners against the law. During a visit to The Heritage Foundation yesterday, she sat down with us to preview the six hours of oral arguments and the what’s at stake before the high court.
Listen to the interview with Karen Harned on this week’s Scribecast
The NFIB joined the lawsuit with 26 states to defend the rights of small-business owners, who believe President Obama’s health care law undermines their ability to own and operate a business. The NFIB’s case is centered on the constitutionality of the individual mandate and whether the government can force individuals to buy health insurance.
Following two wins in lower courts, Harned told us she’s hopeful that the Supreme Court will recognize the individual mandate is “a bridge too far of Congress’ power over all our lives.”
Oral arguments start Monday morning and run through Wednesday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates from Heritage experts next week. And sign our Repeal Obamacare petition today.
The podcast runs about six minutes. It was produced with the help of Hannah Sternberg. Listen to previous interviews on Scribecast or subscribe to future episodes.
