Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest was asked by the White House press pool today to respond to criticisms made by the Supreme Court in Tuesday’s hearing on how President Obama enforces laws. The reporter claimed that the Justices pressed the Administration’s legal counsel on why the President is enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act if he doesn’t believe it is constitutional. Secretary Earnest said that it is the “job” of the administration to enforce laws that are “on the books,” not only ones with which they agree.
The reporter noted that the President has signed multiple executive orders and signing statements saying that his administration will not enforce certain laws that are on the books because he believes they are unconstitutional. Secretary Earnest said he did not accept that “characterization” of the signing statements and referred the reporter to the Department of Justice for clarification of the Administration’s “legal posture” on issues.
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