Obama to Republicans: 'So sue me'
(CNN) - President Barack Obama dared Republicans to follow through on their threats to bring a lawsuit against his administration over his use of executive action.
"Middle-class families can’t wait for Republicans in Congress to do stuff. So sue me," Obama said Tuesday at an event in Washington.
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"As long as they’re doing nothing, I’m not going to apologize for trying to do something."
Obama’s defiant attitude comes as House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican from Ohio, plans to propose legislation that could bring a lawsuit against him for implementing executive actions that the GOP contends amounts to a breach of his constitutional power by side-stepping the legislative process.
Obama: Boehner's lawsuit is 'a stunt'
Recently, Obama has ramped up his use of executive authority as a way to bypass a deeply divided Congress, avoiding inaction on issues the White House has made hallmarks of the President's second term agenda.
On Monday, Obama said he would start "a new effort to fix as much of our immigration system as I can on my own, without Congress."
Poll: Can Obama get the job done?
At Tuesday's event, Obama continued to harp on congressional Republicans to pass legislation - this time pushing them to invest in transportation.
Standing in front of Key Bridge, which connects the city's Georgetown-area to Virginia, Obama continued his stepped-up rhetoric hammering Republican for obstructing action in Washington.
Obama proposed a long-term highway construction bill earlier this year that he says would spur job growth.
"It’s not crazy, it’s not socialism," Obama said of his transportation proposal. "It’s not the imperial presidency - no laws are broken. We’re just building roads and bridges like we’ve been doing for the last, I don’t know, 50, 100 years. But so far, House Republicans have refused to act on this idea."
CNN's Mike Ahlers and Rene Marsh contributed to this report.
Related: Obama’s ‘day in life’ offers opening to tout message and slam Republicans
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Obama is telling it to the GOP like it is.
I wish the republicans will actually say exactly what the issue is. Do they think Americans are stupid enough not to realize that they're stalling the growth, security, credibility, and stability of the entire country? How can they put up their agenda ahead of the entire country's. It beats me!
"...so sue me". I'm all for that attitude. If the Repubs and the Tparty RINO's who ride their shirt tails had any proof or balls, they'd go for impeachment.
They have neither. The Repubs and T party are, once again, neutered. As they should be.
Doing nothing = not bowing down to the president's demands. Sue him!
Well said.
These Republican do nothings have been looking like idi0ts since Ted Cruz filibustered, but now they are bringing stupidity to a new level. Go Obama, at least you are trying to do something to help people.
What a great way to lead a country.
Impeach that arrogant piece of work. NOW.
I prefer they just impeach the doofus. If Obama wants to help middle class families the best thing he could do is resign and let the next president fix the mess he has caused.
As long as he's within the Constitution and within the law, I say go for it. His opponents can't blame him for inaction and then turn around and blame him for taking action within his authority. I'm so fed up with our ineffective Congress I can't stand it. All their childish bickering is just lame. I've adopted a voting strategy that is "against the incumbent" no matter who it is. These career politicians are nothing but trouble for our country because they refuse to compromise, and because they don't represent their constituents. Instead, they represent their own agendas and their parties' agendas. Unfortunately, as it's a system run by people, it's inherently designed to fail.
I would like to see what the judicial branch does with executive actions. If they aren't allowed then the next President won't be able to use them.
An utter, lawless disgrace.
It IS socialism. It IS an imperial presidency. Laws ARE being broken. That's why the supremes have ruled against him unanimously on the last 13 decisions regarding his unlawful behavior. This isn't about roads. This is about an out of control socialist president.
America,please wake up,this fellow is sinking you.Still arrogant after all his mistakes.Can you afford 2 more years?.
This president is a disgrace to our entire history. The Constitution was architected in such a fashion that prevented this kind of activity, intentionally protecting our nation from both a power-hungry dictator and a benevolent-minded visionary who seeks to do good, but winds up doing harm.
This egomaniac is determined to set precedent for future leaders, where any one man or woman who reaches this great office can wield whatever power they can dream of, whether all or none of Congress or the Supreme Court goes along with it.
This man, quite simply put, is an absolute disgrace to his office.
Agree Republicans in Congress are not doing anything for the people only corporations
How presidential. (sarcasm)
Bite me Obama.
He doesn't care, he really does believe he is a King...................
better yet impeach him
Obama: Come at me bros!
you gotta love obama's attitude... typical teenage behavior
Worst. President. Ever.
The president has wasted time trying to work with a party that has never had any intention of working with him.
Wish he had manned up five years ago, but better late than never.
Has this arrogant jerk taken to busing in his audience now, because only ILLEGALS and fools would want to hear OUR President talk like this to OUR nation!