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House Approves Legislation Authorizing Lawsuit Against President Obama

July 30, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H. Res. 676, "Providing for authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States."

"Throughout his time in office, President Barack Obama has shown a consistent pattern of executive overreach by repeatedly choosing to bypass Congress and unilaterally change laws, especially with the implementation of Obamacare," said Cole. "While it is unfortunate that we have been driven to this point, the president must be held accountable for unconstitutional behavior. In order to seek both resolution and clarification, I believe that initiating a lawsuit is the most appropriate tool available to clearly define executive power and authority for this president.

"Clearly, we have a profound difference of opinion with the president. House Republicans hope that this lawsuit will bring the resolution we desperately need. The president must work with Congress to pass laws, not create his own."

Yesterday, the House Rules Committee held a hearing for consideration of H. Res. 676. To watch Congressman Cole's remarks during the hearing in favor of the lawsuit, click here.

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