The Supreme Court has heard many cases that test the meaning of the First Amendment.

VOA: special.2009.05.22

How the First Amendment applies to life in America has often been disputed.

VOA: special.2009.05.22

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) told reporters that in the past when the amendment has failed, Republicans have threatened to call it up again closer to an election.

CNN: Budget Amendment Fails

But the amendment has proved controversial.

ECONOMIST: Even in the People's Republic, property is no longer theft

The amendment has been signed by nearly 30 Tory backbenchers, including former Cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan and former leadership contender David Davis, as well as two Labour MPs, and it is thought about 100 backbench MPs could back it in a vote.

BBC: House of Commons