House Republicans plan to take their first shot at President Obama’s immigration directive on Dec. 3, when a committee will examine how the reduction in deportations will affect border security.
Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, has summoned Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to testify on how the federal government is preparing for the new directive, which will end the threat of deportation for more than 4 million people living in the United States illegally.
The hearing could take a combative tone, given the GOP’s staunch opposition to Obama’s executive action, which he announced on Thursday in a prime-time address.
McCaul’s hearing will help Republican leaders show their base they are taking steps to block Obama’s action, even as they grapple with how to try to stop the move legislatively.
“As chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will use every tool at my disposal to stop the president’s unconstitutional actions from being implemented, starting with this oversight hearing,” McCaul said in a statement. “Sec. Johnson will have the opportunity to answer the American people’s questions, including how DHS will secure our border and prevent additional illegal immigration.”
