Chairman Becerra: The Big Difference Between Our Approach And What We Expect From Republicans On US v. Texas

Press Release

Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra (CA-34) released a statement after joining Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and 222 additional Members of Congress in filing an Amicus Brief affirming President Obama's immigration executive actions as lawful:

"Today, 186 House Members, I among them, and 39 Senators filed an amicus brief -- not at taxpayer expense -- before the Supreme Court in the case US v. Texas. The brief supports the actions which President Obama took as our nation's chief executive to make our fractured immigration system work more coherently. He took those actions exercising his authority under the Constitution to execute and implement the laws of the land.

"There are reports that Speaker Ryan and House Republicans may file a similar amicus brief, albeit one opposing the President in US v Texas. The big difference: Republicans may try to inject the House of Representatives, in its official capacity, into the litigation of this case using taxpayer dollars. These days, it seems this Republican Congress spends more time and taxpayer money filing partisan lawsuits and legal briefs than working to pass the country's must-do legislation, like the budget, a jobs bill, and yes, commonsense immigration reform.

"Congress doesn't need to file a legal brief lobbying the Supreme Court to fix our broken laws. Most Americans know from high school civics that the Constitution vests the Congress with the power to make or change the laws without having to hope or wait for the Supreme Court to bail it out. This Republican Congress is completely out of step with the interests and expectations of the American people. It's time to govern not litigate."

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