Several GOP senators expressed their displeasure President Trump
Donald John TrumpDeWine tests negative for coronavirus a second time Several GOP lawmakers raise concerns over Trump executive orders in Beirut after testing test for US aid to frustrated ally MAYThe decision Saturday to sign four executive orders meant the economic downturn from the coronavirus and the passing of Congress.
At his private club in Bedminster, NJ, Trump signed orders Saturday afternoon that would extend unemployment benefits, suspend payroll taxes, and offer federal eviction and student loan relief.
Some members of the president’s party took issue with the move, arguing that Congress should pass legislation.
Sen. Ben Sasse
Benjamin (Ben) Eric SasseSeveral GOP Legislators Express Concern over Trump Executives Democrats Try to Exploit Trump GOP Tensions in Talks COVID-19 On The Trail: The First Signs of a Post-Trump GOP MORE (R-Nebr.), Who has for the most part spoken out against the government spending large sums of money on coronavirus legislation, has offered one of the more austere rebates, citing the theory behind the movement “unconstitutional slop.”
“The pin-and-phone theory of executive legislation is unconstitutional,” Sasse said in a statement issued by e-mail and received by The Hill. “President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with DACA, and President Trump does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the tax law.”
During the Obama administration, conservatives often criticized the president’s use of executive action on issues facing Congress, such as immigration reform.
The president’s orders came after pressure on the White House and the House of Representatives to strike a deal with Congressional Democratic leadership this week, with negotiators racing to meet Friday’s self-imposed deadline. However, they could not agree on a proposal, as the programs set up by the CARES Act expired in March.
First Chamber President Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin GrahamSeveral GOP lawmakers express concern over Trump executive orders Graham says he appreciates Trump orders but ‘would much prefer a congressional agreement’. Sunday shows example: White House, Congress Democrats can not stalemate on coronavirus relief MORE (R) gave less harsh remarks, saying that although he appreciated the president’s instructions, “he had a lot of preference for a congress.”
Sen. Lamar Alexander
Andrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderSeveral GOP lawmakers express concern over Trump executive orders (R-Tenn.) Accused Democrats of failing to reach an agreement, but stated that he did not support the president that Congress was around.
“The president is doing everything he can to help workers, students and tenants, but Congress is the one who needs to act,” Alexander said in a statement.
Pres. @realDonaldTrump does everything he can to help workers, students and tenants, but Congress is the one to act. Democrats should stop blocking proposals of common sense to help students return to school & college & parents who want to return to the work that child care needs.
– Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) August 8, 2020
Rep. Justin Amash
Justin AmashSeveral GOP lawmakers express concern over Trump executive orders Peter Meijer wins GOP primary in Amash’s Michigan district Amash confirms he will not seek reelection MORE (L-Mich.), A libertarian who left the Republican caucus last year, compared the president’s actions to those of a “king.”
“Our Constitution does not authorize the President to act as King if Congress does not legislate,” Amash posted on Twitter.
Our constitution does not authorize the president to act as king if Congress does not legislate.
– Justin Amash (@justinamash) August 8, 2020
It is not yet clear if it is legal for Trump to unilaterally intervene in unemployment and other benefits, with the president intending in New Jersey on Saturday that he expects lawsuits to be against the orders.
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