Senators Join Suit Over Obama’s Constitutional Powers

Republican senators on Wednesday joined a lawsuit arguing President Obama violated the Constitution when he used his recess appointment powers earlier this year to fill several controversial posts.

The move intensifies a simmering separation-of-powers battle over Mr. Obama’s executive powers, which Republicans say he has abused during his term in office.

Led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republicans said the Senate was still in session, not in recess, when Mr. Obama made his four appointments in January. They said the picks — to the National Labor Relations Board and to a top consumer-advocacy post — are therefore illegal.

 More