Earlier today, the Supreme Court came to a split decision.

The Justices were unable to resolve the case, U.S. v. Texas, that concerned the President’s executive action on immigration. As a result, the lower court’s decision was affirmed and the Obama Administration suffered a defeat.

Afterwards, a number of PA Republican Congressman released statements in praise of the development:

Congressman Lou Barletta

“This is tremendous news for the rule of law and a reaffirmation that the people of the United States don’t elect a king – they elect a president and a Congress, each with its own role to play.  From the very beginning, we knew that President Obama had overstepped his authority by granting blanket amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. This fight is not over, as many of his earlier immigration actions are still in place.

“Obama said it himself at least 22 times: he does not have the legal authority to do what he eventually did, which was to grant amnesty to people who have willfully broken our immigration laws to be present in this country. Perhaps now the president has gotten the message: just because Congress doesn’t do what you want doesn’t mean you get to do it by yourself. Congress can speak by refusing to pass as law as well.

“We have immigration laws in this country for two main reasons: to protect national security and to preserve American jobs. The president’s actions violated both of those principles and were unconstitutional on top of it all.”

Congressman Tom Marino

“Our Constitution is clear – Congress alone has the authority to create laws and it is the president’s duty to faithfully execute those laws. However, President Obama attempted to create law, circumvent Congress and unilaterally – not to mention illegally – grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. This usurpation of power is nothing new for the Obama administration, but today it was stopped. This decision is a huge win in our fight to restore the separation of powers and for our rule of law.”

Congressman Keith Rothfus

“The Court’s decision today reaffirms that according to our Constitution, Congress, not the President, writes the laws.  This is a victory for the rule of law and the American people whose liberties are best protected when the separation of powers is respected.”

Congressman Bill Shuster

“President Obama’s executive actions on immigration are illegal, and I applaud the Supreme Court leaving in place the lower court’s ruling that blocked these attempts to go around the legislative branch in order to implement major parts of his illegal immigration platform. We are a nation of laws, and Article 1 of our Constitution is clear – all legislative powers are vested in Congress. I believe in securing our borders and enforcing our laws, and I remain strongly opposed to any and all efforts to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.”

Democratic Congressional candidate Christina Hartman also reacted to the immigration case, as well as Fisher v. U.S., which concerned affirmative action:

PA-16 Democratic Nominee Christina Hartman

“I am disappointed that the deadlocked Supreme Court has allowed President Obama’s orders helping undocumented parents of American born children to remain blocked. This ruling could tear apart 5 million families facing deportation. For generations, our district has been a safe haven for political refugees and immigrants. People around the world continue to come to our shores in pursuit of the American Dream. We must welcome them with open arms—The United States is the country of Lady Liberty, not a country of walls.”
 
“The Supreme Court’s Fisher decision is a win for all Americans. Our experiences are richer and more fulfilling when everyone has a fair shot and a seat at the table. Diversity matters in the boardroom, the courtroom and the classroom. I applaud SCOTUS’ decision. The doors to higher education should be open to every American, not just a few.”