Earnest: ‘Unfortunate’ That GOP Has Opted for ‘Litigious Strategy’

The White House responded to House Speaker John Boehner’s planned lawsuit against the Obama administration Wednesday, with Press Secretary Josh Earnest saying the move will not cause the president to curtail his use of executive actions. During the daily press briefing, Earnest said it was “unfortunate” that Republicans were resorting to “litigious strategies” rather than trying to work on legislation with President Barack Obama.

Asked if an extended court battle is something the White House is “gearing up for,” Earnest predicted that the “taxpayer-funded lawsuit” by House Republicans would “not be very warmly received” by the American public.

Instead, Earnest said Americans would “like to see their elected leaders in Washington focused on the kinds of issues that are having an impact on their communities.”

“There are a range of issues where Democrats and Republicans should be able to work together,” Earnest added. “It’s unfortunate that Republicans have opted for what might be described as a more litigious strategy.”

Earnest also pointed out that Boehner has been light on specifics when it comes to which executive actions he objects. After listing off unilateral decisions Obama made that protect LGBT workers from discrimination and make it easier for workers to save for retirement, he said, “I’ll be interested to hear what objections Republicans have to those specific steps.”

Watch video below, via C-SPAN:

[Photo via screengrab]

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