Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) writes in a Sunday op-ed for CNN that he is compelled to sue President Obama to restore balance to the federal government.
Obama, Boehner says, has repeatedly "circumvented the American people and their elected representatives through executive action." In doing so, the president has shown a "flippant dismissal of the Constitution we are both sworn to defend," Boehner says, adding that Obama's actions are "utterly beneath the dignity of the office."
Here's the crux of his argument for filing suit:
In the end, the Constitution makes it clear that the President's job is to faithfully execute the laws. And, in my view, the President has not faithfully executed the laws when it comes to a range of issues, including his health care law, energy regulations, foreign policy and education. […] Congress has its job to do, and so does the President. When there are conflicts like this -- between the legislative branch and the executive branch -- it is my view that it is our responsibility to stand up for this institution in which we serve, and for the Constitution. [CNN]
Obama has rejected the lawsuit as a "stunt." And skeptics of the House GOP's litigious streak are quick to point out that Obama has signed fewer executive orders than any president in the past century.