WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to sue President Barack Obama for overstepping the powers of the presidency – an action that angered some conservative members who believe it is insufficient, emboldened Democrats who say Republicans are being vengeful, and further eroded what is left of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill.
In a 225-201 party-line vote, Republicans authorized the House to move forward with a lawsuit against Obama for his implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which they argue has been selective and designed to delay the law’s most undesirable aspects.
During an hourlong debate that was passionate and pointed, Republicans accused the president of flouting the law and breaking a solemn constitutional oath.
They summoned lessons from the American Revolution and the Bible.
Speaker John A. Boehner all but accused Obama of leaving the Constitution in tatters. “No member of this body needs to be reminded about what the Constitution states about the president’s obligation to faithfully execute the laws of our nation,” Boehner said from the House floor. “Are you willing to let any president choose what laws to execute and what laws to change? Are you willing to let anyone tear apart what our Founders have built?”
