Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 08:42 pm
In Las Vegas, President Obama cut through the angry rhetoric and BS on immigration and explained to the American people that it was John Boehner who forced Obama to act alone by refusing to allow a vote on the Senate passed immigration bill.
The president said,
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It has now been 512 days. A year in a half in which the only standing in the way of that bipartisan bill and my desk so that I can sign that bill. The only thing standing in the way is a simple yes or no vote in the House of Representatives. Just a yes or no vote. If they had allowed a vote on that kind of bill, it would have passed. I would have signed it. It would be the law right now. These leaders right here tried to make it happen. Nancy Pelosi kept on saying to John Boehner let’s just call the bill, see where it goes.
There are Republicans who worked hard on this bill too, and they deserve credit. Because even though it wasn’t necessarily popular in their party, they knew it was the right thing to do. But despite that, the party leadership in the House of Representatives would not let it come forward, and I cajoled and I called and I met. I told John Boehner I’ll wash your car. I’ll walk your dog. Whatever you need to do just call the bill. That’s how democracy’s supposed to work. And if the votes hadn’t been there, we would have had to start over, and he didn’t do it. But at least give it a shot, and he didn’t do it.
And the fact that a year and half has gone by means that time has been wasted. And during that time, families have been separated. And during that time, businesses have been harmed. And we can’t afford it anymore.
The president was correct. Boehner has an easy way out of the mess that he created by refusing to allow a vote on the Senate passed immigration bill. The point that the president raised is never discussed by Republicans who are calling the president a lawless emperor. Boehner refuses to acknowledge his own role in Obama’s decision to use executive action.
If Boehner allowed a vote on the Senate passed immigration bill, none of this would be happening today. During his speech, the president reminded congressional Republicans that no one is stopping them from passing a bill. Obama mocked Republicans who claim that his actions are preventing them from passing a bill.
President Obama was pressing his advantage on this issue. Obama has turned into a one man wrecking crew. Republicans are trapped in an immigration quagmire that they created. Obama warned Republicans not to shut down the government over his executive action, but most importantly, he told the truth about why he had to act alone.
Republicans made their obstructionist bed, and now they have to lie in it.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
