Lankford Votes to Authorize Lawsuit against President Obama

Statement

Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.) released the following statement of support after the House today passed H. Res. 676, which provides authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President inconsistent with constitutional duties:

"I am humbled today to stand up for the millions of Americans who are fed up with the President's unwillingness to faithfully execute the law," said Lankford.

"This lawsuit asks the court to resolve one critical constitutional issue: can the Executive Branch change the text of a law, or is that authority reserved for the Legislative Branch? This is not a political question. It is a constitutional question. Congress makes the laws; the Executive Branch executes them. The Founders included this in our governing documents to ensure a distinct separation of powers. I was elected by the people of central Oklahoma, and I want to honor my oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States.'

"This lawsuit reasserts the constitutional rights of the Legislative Branch to create and change the law. It is my belief that no President has the authority to unilaterally change the law.

"We must leave our children the government our Founders established--a government of three branches, with certain authorities delegated to each and the power to hold each other accountable. I was proud to support this legislation today and will continue to stand up for the Constitution at every opportunity," concluded Lankford.

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