Jeff Fortenberry: “First, let me thank the gentlelady from Missouri for her leadership, not only tonight, but on this absolutely most…”

“First, let me thank the gentlelady from Missouri for her leadership, not only tonight, but on this absolutely most critical issue. Mr. Speaker, there is an important court case tomorrow, one that has come upon our country fairly quietly. I am not sure most Americans actually know what is at issue here. What is at issue is whether or not the relationship between the government and her people will fundamentally shift, whether the government will be able to coerce people who disagree as to the content of what their health care should be based upon their religious faiths or their deeply held ethical sensibilities. If they don't obey, they will be fined, as was mentioned here earlier. In a very ironic way, the case before the Supreme Court tomorrow is about whether or not Hobby Lobby, a store at which millions of Americans, I assume, enjoy shopping--at which I enjoy shopping--that very outwardly celebrates, projects, its Christian perspective in the way it conducts its business. I assume, because of that perspective-- the desire to do the right thing by their employees--they have established a good health care plan. If they drop their health care plan, they will be fined $2,000 by the government. That is all they will have to pay. Yet, if they refuse to go along with that which violates their religious perspective and fundamental ethical sensibilities, the government will fine them $36,000.…”