Hoyer Statement on House Republicans' Continued Repackaging of Failed Policies

“This morning, Speaker Ryan continued the theatrics of repackaging House Republicans’ do-nothing agenda as though it were something new.  Their latest focus seems to be attacking the Obama Administration for taking action under the President’s legal authority in the absence of Congress doing its job.  Contrary to what Republicans may believe, our Constitution is not under assault from some kind of executive overreach.  Rather, our system of government is under threat from a Majority in the House and Senate that seems bent on shutting down our government, holding nominees in months-long limbo – including to the highest court in our land – and ignoring action on the most pressing issues facing our country. 

“While Republicans have been doing everything they can to tell the American people ‘you’re on your own,’ our President has taken bold and serious actions, using the legal authority he has, to address shortcomings in our immigration policies, ban forms of discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensure that all women can access affordable contraceptive services.  There is only so much a president can do on his or her own, however, and Congress has a responsibility to act on the critical challenges facing our nation.  Until this Republican Majority is ready to fulfill its own constitutional responsibilities, its leaders ought to think twice about making judgements about others’ adherence to our Constitution.”