On the recordDecember 4, 2013
When the President picks and chooses which laws to enforce, it undermines the foundations of our democracy. Yesterday, in the House Judiciary Committee, we held a hearing to examine the President's constitutional responsibility to ``faithfully execute'' the law. Our Founding Fathers formed the structure of our government specifically so that none of the three branches could become too powerful. If we ignore our system of checks and balances, our government will become unstable and chaotic. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, this President and his administration have abused their executive power. President Obama continues to violate his constitutional duty to enforce the laws and instead chooses when, where, and which laws to enforce. He has enforced laws and policies based on preferences, like making changes to our immigration system, our criminal code, and his signature health care law. Mr. Speaker, neither this President, nor any President, should grant themselves extra-constitutional authority to change laws they don't like. If the President himself does not follow the law, it sets a dangerous example. ____________________
