This month, the House has acted to challenge the President on his unlawful executive order to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.
For the first time in our Nation’s history, the House passed a measure to file an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case the United States v. Texas, on behalf of the entire House of Representatives, that will challenge the legitimacy of President Obama’s unilateral action on immigration.
Our Nation’s Constitution exists to provide a clear blueprint for the way our government is intended to operate. Article I of that document lays out the authority and responsibility of the Congress—to make, amend and strike down law.
There is an intentional separation and balance of power in our federal government. The Congress makes the law. The President, under Article II, enforces the law.
One thing is clear: the President is not permitted to write law.
In the last 7 years, this fundamental principle of our Nation’s Constitution has been ignored. In the case of unlawfully granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, the President has again defied the democratic process and violated our Nation’s Constitution.
We must have thoughtful reform of our broken immigration system—not unilateral and unconstitutional action by any Administration without the consent of the American People. As a Nation of immigrants, we should welcome legal immigration and should strive to fix our broken immigration system, but that must be done through the democratic process.
The President acted unilaterally and against the will of the American People. This month, the House is protecting its Article I authority, defending our Nation’s democratic principles and challenging the President on his illegal overreach. I am proud to stand up for our Constitution.
