Boehner scratches GOP base’s impeachment itch

[DonViejo]

BY GREG SARGENT June 26 at 9:34 AM

So House Republicans will introduce legislation next month paving the way for a lawsuit designed to declare President Obama’s executive actions as an unconstitutional power grab. Speaker John Boehner’s memo says the lawsuit will “compel the president to follow his oath of office and faithfully execute the laws of our country.”

Jonathan Capehart explains the legal argument that would give the House standing to sue, and argues that this is a prelude to impeachment. Dana Milbank notes that the accumulation of executive power is a real and long running problem, but suggests that Obama’s actions in particular come in response to the House GOP refusal, or inability, to participate in the basic give and take of governing.

Indeed, at a certain point, Boehner’s own lawsuit — putting its legal merits aside — will neatly reveal that to be the real problem here. Paul Kane puts his finger on the nub of the matter: “Boehner declined to spell out which specific actions would be addressed in the suit.”

The lawsuit, Kane suggests, will at some point have to specify which executive actions by the president constitute a failure to “faithfully execute the laws of our country,” justifying this dramatic step by Republicans. Yet the raising of any specifics will only serve as a reminder of the fronts on which Republicans have refused to legislate.

more
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/06/26/morning-plum-john-boehner-scratches-gop-bases-impeachment-itch/

[onehandle]

1. The weakest Speaker In History has nothing but mud in his pockets.

And of course millions of dollars in corporate bribes.

[Louisiana1976]

2. Exactly.

[yeoman6987]

3. I don't understand why they would do this

The Supreme Court already ruled saying that President Obama went to far. Isn't that enough?

[onehandle]

4. To get their loon base up on their walkers and to the polls this Fall. nt

[Tripper11]

5. Robert Reich responds to Boehner on facebook

Robert Reich
1 hr ·
House Speaker John Boehner said today he plans to move forward with a lawsuit against President Barack Obama for misusing executive powers by allegedly side-stepping Congress on immigration and other policies. In a memo to Republicans, Boehner accused Obama of asserting “king-like authority.” Baloney. As I’ve pointed out on this page, every rule and legal interpretation Obama has made has been pursuant to a specific act of Congress. If there’s a misuse of constitutional authority it’s in the Republican House, which has refused to appropriate enough funds to enforce the laws already on the books – laws designed to protect workers, consumers, small investors, and the environment, and to collect taxes. Enforcement budgets at the Department of Labor, Securities and Exchange Commission, EPA, IRS, and consumer protection agencies have been slashed so badly many laws no longer have the full force of law. If the Supreme Court weren’t stacked with rightwing Republicans I might even suggest Obama sue John Boehner for misusing legislative authority.

Nailed it!!

[Blue Owl]

6. Let's hope Boner gives himself the shaft

n/t

[1StrongBlackMan]

7. Posted to for later reading. eom.