Washington, D.C. – Sen. Johnson made these comments before scheduled oral arguments in Johnson v. OPM on Monday, July 7, 2014:

 “Although it is not customary in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Judge Griesbach has scheduled oral arguments in Johnson v. OPM to determine whether I have standing to challenge a rule implemented by the Obama administration.  I am pleased that the court has recognized that this case presents significant legal issues and important constitutional questions. 

 “To date, the president has made more than 20 unilateral changes to the Affordable Care Act – without any act of Congress.  The president’s executive overreach is not confined to Obamacare.  As George Washington Law School professor Jonathan Turley puts it, ‘the fourth branch of government’ has targeted ordinary Americans through IRS heightened reviews of conservative groups, has enacted the president’s cap and trade policies through EPA regulations, and has instituted ambush election rules for unionization through the NLRB. 

 “I have repeatedly stated that my lawsuit is about more than the special treatment the Obama rule provides to the political class.  It is about upholding the rule of law and setting important precedent to end the rampant executive overreach by President Obama. 

 “Last week, Speaker Boehner announced that he too will initiate legal proceedings on behalf of the House of Representatives against the president’s executive overreach.  I welcome this news and hope that my lawsuit can provide an important foundation to this additional quest to uphold our system of checks and balances. 

 “I appreciate this opportunity to affirm the oath of office I took to support and defend the Constitution of the United States at a crucial point in American history.  This lawsuit offers a landmark opportunity to help re-establish the balance between the executive and legislative branches of government, and I am glad the judge in this case is giving it the serious consideration it deserves.”  

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