The Republican congressman who made waves Monday by suggesting the possibility of impeachment if President Barack Obama used executive action to enact gun control measures returned to the threat Wednesday, but noted that “it is not something to be taken lightly.”
“The White House has indicated they are willing to use Executive Orders to infringe upon the God-given right to keep and bear arms protected by the Second Amendment from government intrusion,” Rep. Steve Stockman said in a statement released after the president announced his plan, including 23 executive actions.
Calling Obama’s “gun violence” plan a “sneak attack,” Stockman made reference to the Fast and Furious gun-running scandal — saying Obama “refuses to answer questions regarding his own illegal transfer of weapons to Mexican drug lords.”
Stockman added he will “lead the fight” to stop Obama’s legislative proposals, and as the effects of the president’s executive orders become apparent, work to defund their enforcement and support efforts to overturn them in court.
If his efforts are unsuccessful in “thwarting” Obama’s efforts, Stockman said he will consider impeachment, though stressed he would not employ it in a reckless manner.
“Impeachment is not something to be taken lightly,” he said. “It is a grave and serious undertaking that should only be initiated in a sober and serious manner. It should be reserved only for most egregious of trespasses by the President.”
According to Stockman, however, the president’s use of executive orders for gun control does constitute an impeachable offense.
“I would consider using Executive Orders to engage in attacks on a constitutionally-protected right and violating his sworn oath of office to be such a trespass,” Stockman concluded. “The President cannot issue executive orders depriving the people of full access to an enumerated constitutional right.”
