Full House Approves Lawsuit Against Obama

Republicans say president exceeded his authority on ObamaCare
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 30, 2014 5:49 PM CDT
Full House Approves Lawsuit Against Obama
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio strides to the House chamber Wednesday.   (J. Scott Applewhite)

A sharply divided House today approved a Republican plan to file a federal lawsuit against President Obama. The suit will contend that Obama has exceeded his constitutional powers in the way he has enforced the 2010 health care law. The vote was 225 to 201. Republicans say Obama has gone too far in selectively enforcing parts of the health overhaul, such as by delaying the requirement that many employers provide health insurance for their workers. They say they are protecting the Constitution's division of powers.

Democrats say the suit is a campaign-year stunt designed to draw conservative voters to the polls in congressional elections. They also say it may be a prelude to an effort to impeach Obama—a contention top Republicans say is groundless. Some competing quotes rounded up by Politico:

  • John Boehner: “This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about defending the Constitution we swore an oath to. Are you willing to let any president choose what laws to execute and what laws to change?"
  • Nancy Pelosi: “We are wasting the taxpayers’ time and money on the floor of the House."
(More House Republicans stories.)

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