Political Quotes

On the recordJanuary 14, 2015
I thank his honor. President Obama announced one of the largest extraconstitutional power grabs ever by a Chief Executive. He declared unilaterally that almost 5 million undocumented aliens will receive deferred action under some newfangled definition of ``prosecutorial discretion,'' Madam Speaker. Not only that, not only escaping consequences, he has decided to bestow benefits such as work authorization and immigration benefits-- this, Madam Speaker, despite the fact that the very same President over 20 different times said he lacked the power to do what he just did, and he repeatedly said he is not a king. Now, Madam Speaker, his position may have changed after the election, I hasten to add, but the Constitution has not. That document is clear, time-tested, and true, and it says that this body passes laws, and it is the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Madam Speaker, to make sure that those laws are faithfully enforced. If this President's unilateral extraconstitutional acts are not stopped, Madam Speaker, future Presidents will no doubt expand that power of the executive branch and threaten the constitutional equilibrium. But, Madam Speaker, this is not a fight between Republicans and Democrats; it is not even a fight over immigration reform. This is a fight over whether this branch of government will ever find the courage to stand up for itself.…
Said by
Trey Gowdy
Republican · South Carolina

Share

More from Trey Gowdy

Jun 18, 2018

I can't think of anything more outcome determinative than my bias against this person I'm investigating.

congress.gov
Jun 18, 2018

This inspector general's report should conjure anger, disappointment, and sadness in everyone who reads it.

congress.gov
Mar 19, 2018

Since there is a lot of conversation about mental health and mental illness, we have a statute that if you have been adjudicated mentally defective, or you have been committed to a mental institution, you are prohibited from possessing a…

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation