House Votes to Prohibit DOJ From Using Funds to Defend Challenges to Obamacare

(CNSNews.com) -- The GOP-led House of Representatives approved an amendment to a 2013 appropriations bill on Wednesday that would prohibit the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using its departmental funds to defend against legal challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare.

“My amendment prohibits DOJ from spending funds we don’t have in defense of a program the American people do not want," Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who introduced the amendment, said in a statement.

“The Supreme Court has heard arguments and is set to reveal their decision on the constitutionality of the president’s health care mandate next month,” said Blackburn. “The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and DOJ should not need additional resources for any future defense.”

The amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, currently being debated in the House, passed on Wednesday with most Republicans voting in favor.

It was approved, 229 to 194, with 17 Republican lawmakers voting against the amendment and nine Democrats voting to approve the measure.

The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on the constitutionality of Obamacare this summer.