Sen. Michael Enzi: Opposed Obama’s Amnesty Before Voting For It

Senator Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) voted to fund President Obama’s executive amnesty during the lame-duck session contrary to his earlier statements. He was one of several Senators who had come out against the president’s actions, but then voted much differently.

These Senators, including Senator Enzi had an opportunity to back up their rhetoric with action when Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) raised a “point of order” challenging the constitutionality of the president’s executive action while the Senate debated the 2015 spending bill.

While 21 other Senators stood up and voted with Senator Cruz, 28 Senators who had previously come out against executive amnesty voted in favor of fully funding it.

After the president announced his plans for executive amnesty, Senator Enzi released the following statement:

By circumventing Congress on immigration and instituting his will through executive actions, President Obama is eroding the very foundation of our country and form of government. This sets a dangerous precedent where future presidents can flout any law they happen to disagree with and alter the law without going through Congress. Each branch of government is to act as a check against the others and not sit idly by as one exercises authority it does not have. A constitutional law professor should know that.

For a full list of U.S. Senators who voted for and against the Senator Cruz’s point of order, see the roll call vote.