Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that Congress will respond with legislation action if President Obama goes ahead with his expected unilateral action on immigration.
In a floor speech Thursday, McConnell, who will become the Senate majority leader in January, promised congressional action, but did not specifically say what that action would entail.
“If President Obama acts in defiance of the people and imposes his will on the country, Congress will act,” McConnell said.
“We’re considering a variety of options,” the Kentucky Republican said. “But make no mistake. When the newly elected representatives of the people take their seats, they will act.”
Obama plans to announce Thursday night a sweeping executive action unilaterally change immigration law, including the halt of deportation for five million illegal immigrants.
Along with arguing against Obama skirting Congress on the issue, Republicans, like McConnell, say Obama’s actions will hurt jobless Americans still looking for work.
“What does the president have to say to the millions of Americans who still can’t find work in this economy?” McConnell said in his speech. “The president can’t reach across the aisle to secure a serious jobs plan for them, but he’s willing to put everything he’s got into this one executive action? Where is the justice in that?”