Jay F. Hein, Director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, et al. v. Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., et al.
Subject:
Taxpayer Standing, Establishment Clause, Congressional Appropriations, Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives, Executive Orders, First Amendment
Question:
Whether taxpayers have standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge
on Establishment Clause grounds the actions of Executive Branch officials pursuant
to an Executive Order, where the plaintiffs challenge no Act of Congress, the
Executive Branch actions at issue are financed only indirectly through general
appropriations, and no funds are disbursed to any entities or individuals outside the
government.