The issue focused on whether the federal government can provide funding for schools and other public institutions without violating the Constitution. It also addressed whether the government is able to impose any restrictions on religious beliefs that would affect students' access to science and math education.

Mr. Obama signed the legislation as part of an effort to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gases and emissions at a time when he and Republican lawmakers have been pushing legislation to limit the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

The bill is part of what