Earlier in the week, Ryan acknowledged that the resolution would be unprecedented, but contended that Obama’s executive actions amounted to an encroachment on Congress’ ability to write laws and a “direct attack” on the constitution. “It is about the integrity of our Constitution”, Ryan argued. The resolution allows counsel for the House to file an amicus brief in the high court case, U.S.et al. v. Texas et al., to argue that the disputed executive actions intrude…
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“I recognize that this is a very extraordinary step”, said Ryan. “But in recent years, the executive branch has blurred these boundaries, to the point of overstepping them altogether”.
Shortly after noon, H.Res.639 passed, 234 in favor and 186 against. Six Republicans voted with Democrats opposing the measure: Rep. Carlos Curbelo (Florida), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Florida), Rep. Robert Dold (Illinois) and Rep. Richard Hanna (New York). “It is an anti-immigrant vote, plain and simple”.
“Why does the majority party not just say they want?”
“Will Republicans yet again call for tearing apart families and deporting DREAMers?” Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., left, confers with House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, as he holds a hearing on a plan by House Speaker Paul Ryan seeking the power to file an amicus brief on behalf of th…
“Once again Republican politicians are advancing their partisan, anti-Latino, anti-immigrant, xenophobic agenda”, she said. He added that Obama’s executive actions stand on the right side of history, and he is confident DAPA and DACA’s extended guidelines will be approved by the Supreme Court.
The Obama initiative would extend deportation deferrals and work permits for undocumented workers with deep roots in the U.S. The program was temporarily blocked previous year by a federal judge in Brownsville, Texas.
The Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) said the group was “outraged” with the resolution’s passage. Immigration activist Sulma Arias said in a statement that the move was a slight to Latinos.
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Rep. Trey Gowdy said if Democrats had been so intent on granting legal status to illegal immigrants, they could have done it in 2009 or 2010, when they controlled the White House and both chambers of Congress. Instead, they delayed, leaving Mr. Obama to try an end-run around Capitol Hill. He also announced the expansion of a program that affects people who came here illegally as children. The court is scheduled to render a decision in June.
