IANAL, although my criminal defense attorney friend couldn't believe that I successfully argued my case in traffic court, which he called "the most rigged tribunal in the world."
Yesterday the Republican members of Congress voted to sue President Obama over the delay in implementation of the ACA.
As a non-lawyer, two obvious questions came to mind. First, since members of Congress have their own health care package independent of the ACA, how was Congress harmed by the delay? IOW, what is their "standing" for the lawsuit? Second, what does the lawsuit seek to accomplish?
As a non-lawyer I am likely wrong, but it is my understanding that a lawsuit revolves around two basic questions, i.e. how were you harmed and what do you want for it?
Since I am ably represented by one of the most liberal Democrats in Congress, I directed these questions to Republicans. I started with the Judiciary Committee itself. The staffer there could not explain either the standing of Congress, or the desired results. Since the entire plan originated with this committee, their lack of preparation is astounding. Did they think no one would ever ask them about this?
I transferred my attention to Republican members of the California delegation who voted in favor of the bill. I went through half a dozen, and not a single staffer could answer the questions. Some even agreed that they were good ones.
Any Kossacks who live in a red district should take up the challenge. Ask your representative these questions every day until answers appear. When that happens, please post them here.