Republicans Criticize Trump’s Latest Executive Orders

The Hill reports:

“The pen-and-phone theory of executive lawmaking is unconstitutional slop,” Sasse said in a statement.  “President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with DACA, and President Trump does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law.“

Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R) offered less harsh comments, saying that while he appreciated the president’s orders, he “would much prefer a congressional agreement.” Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), blamed Democrats for failing to reach an agreement, but indicated he didn’t support the president circumventing Congress.

It is still unclear if it is legal for Trump to unilaterally intervene on unemployment and other benefits, with the president intimating on Saturday in New Jersey that he does anticipate law suits against the orders.

Our Constitution doesn’t authorize the president to act as king whenever Congress doesn’t legislate.

— Justin Amash (@justinamash) August 8, 2020