Boehner v. Obama: House Approves Resolution to Sue President

In a partisan vote that marks a new escalation in the Republican confrontation with President Obama, the House of Representatives approved a resolution to authorize Speaker John Boehner to initiate litigation against the president.

Five Republicans joined a unanimous Democratic Caucus in opposition to the resolution.

In a floor speech during debate on the bill, Boehner said the vote was not about differences between Republicans and Democrats, but was “about defending the Constitution that we swore an oath to uphold, and acting decisively when it may be compromised.”

“The House cannot speak for the Senate which doesn’t agree with its position, and, therefore, cannot represent the legislative branch,” Schiff, D-California, said during debate on the bill. “This Congress has a remedy: if it does not like the way in which the president has implemented the Affordable Care Act, it can change the law. That would be a far better approach, one more consistent with our separation of powers than this expensive and ill-conceived lawsuit.”

The White House, meanwhile,  reacted quickly, soliciting email addresses on its website but also making clear that the president will continue to take executive actions if Congress continues to block him legislatively.

“President Obama is ready and willing to work with Republicans in Congress if they decide to get serious and do something for the American people,” the statement read. “But he is also committed to acting however he can to help more working families — even as Congress won’t.”