Pelosi Statement on Republican Rules Committee Vote to Sue the President

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the House Rules Committee approved the Republican resolution authorizing a lawsuit against the President:

"It is clear that Republicans will do anything to distract attention from their special-interest agenda of obstruction and dysfunction. While Democrats work to jumpstart the middle class, Republicans are wasting time and taxpayer dollars on another hypocritical, partisan and preposterous lawsuit against the President.

"This lawsuit is only the latest proof of House Republicans' contempt and disregard for the priorities of the American people – an effort to pander to the most extreme, rightwing voters at taxpayer expense, the same as when they spent $2.3 million defending the unconstitutional and discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act in the courts.

"Constitutional law experts have already weighed in on just how utterly meritless this Republican lawsuit is. But you don't need to be an expert to see it's nothing more than a desperate partisan stunt. Republicans should drop the distractions, and join Democrats in addressing the priorities of the American people: creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few."

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