Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, questioning why the White House needs money to implement President Barack Obama's executive orders on immigration that a federal judge has ruled unconstitutional, says Congress should pass a Homeland Security bill and have it on Obama's desk by Friday.
Appearing on
"Fox News Sunday," Pence joined other Republicans in calling for Senate Democrats to end their filibuster of the bill that defunds Obama's actions granting legal status to millions of illegal immigrants.
Obama has said he will veto any bill that doesn't provide full funding.
"The president has the authority under the Constitution to determine how he will implement the law. He does not have the authority to determine whether he will implement the law," Pence said. "My bottom line is that we need to protect the homeland. We also need to protect the Constitution. And I think that the Congress using the power of the purse is altogether appropriate."
Indiana joined a Texas-initiated lawsuit with 25 other states saying the states were harmed by Obama's actions. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Texas ruled last week to hold off on implementation. The White House has said it will appeal the ruling on Monday.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson made the Sunday morning news show circuit, warning that his department will be shut down if the bill doesn't pass since temporary funding ends this month.
Pence argued that Republicans have presented a bill that passed the House without funding for Obama's immigration orders, and that Democrats can add amendments in the Senate if they don't like the bill.
"Why does the administration need money for what the federal courts say they can't do?" Pence asked. "It ought to be decided, debated and resolved in the Congress and not by the stroke of a president's pen."
Turning to the Islamic State (ISIS), Pence said he is encouraged that Obama has a goal to defeat the terrorist group, but said he has yet to hear a "robust strategy to really drive this terrorist army not only out of Iraq but also out of existence."
And like other Republicans, he would like to hear the administration use the term "radical Islamists" to describe the group.
He also said American ground troops might be needed in the fight.
Pence is a possible dark horse candidate for the GOP presidential nomination, but has said he is waiting until May to decide whether he'll run for re-election as governor or for the Oval Office.
Guest host John Roberts asked if he might be waiting too long, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker already getting teams together and seeking donors.
Pence said he isn't concerned about having to play catch-up.
"I was raised on some old-fashioned values," he said, "And one of those ideas is what comes out of the Old Book that essentially says whoever is trust worthy in lesser things may be entrusted in greater things."