Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31) responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling today to uphold a lower court’s decision and block President Obama’s illegal amnesty.  The lower court had sided with Texas, and put a hold on the President’s executive overreach to defer deportation and provide work authorization to millions of illegal immigrants.

“As a former Judge and now Chairman of the Homeland Security appropriations committee, I strongly agree with the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Obama’s plan to create a ‘sanctuary nation’ for illegal immigrants.  The President overstepped his executive authority, thwarting the will of Congress and the American people.  Today the Court has upheld what Texans have long known to be true: President Obama’s executive amnesty is illegal, and would cause irrevocable harm to Texans.”

“Today’s ruling is the first step in stopping President Obama, but the fight isn’t over. Our immigration system is broken and must be fixed.  I will continue to work with my House colleagues to first strengthen our border, enforce the Rule of Law, and support a system that ensures full implementation of e-verify for all employers and their employees. As we continue to work together to ensure compassionate reforms to our overall immigrations system, we must implement policies that punish those who come here illegally, and reward those that work through the process and immigrate here legally.”

Background

In 2015, the State of Texas took legal action against President Obama’s executive amnesty. Texas led a coalition of 27 states to block the President’s attempts to legalize millions of illegal immigrants.  Read the following press releases for more information on the steps Rep. Carter took to support this action:

Carter Asks Supreme Court to Strike Down Obama's Executive Amnesty, Uphold Lower Courts Decision

Rep. Carter Signs Amicus Brief to Challenge President Obama's Unconstitutional Actions on Immigration

Rep. Carter: Clear message sent by federal injunction

Carter and the Texas Delegation Fight Against Obama Executive Amnesty Plan

House action:

On January 19, the Supreme Court agrees to hear United States v. Texas, but adds its own question for the parties to consider: Did the president’s actions violate his constitutional duty to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed”?

On March 1, Speaker Ryan announces that he will ask the House, as an institution uniquely qualified to answer the Court’s question, to vote on a resolution authorizing him to file a brief defending Article I: “The president is not permitted to write law—only Congress is.” 

On March 17, the House adopts H. Res. 639, authorizing Speaker Ryan to file a brief.

On April 4, the House files its brief, setting forth why Congress—and only Congress—is empowered to write the laws.

On April 8, the Supreme Court grants the House’s request for 15 minutes of time during oral arguments. Erin Murphy, partner at Bancroft, PLLC will argue on behalf of the House, which is being represented pro bono in this matter.

On April 18, the House of Representatives presented its oral argument to the Supreme Court.

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. 

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