G.O.P. Promises to Swiftly Counter Obama’s Immigration Moves

Republicans on Thursday vowed a swift and forceful response to the executive action on immigration that President Obama is to announce in a prime-time address, accusing the president of exceeding the power of his office and promising a legislative fight when they take full control of Congress next year.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who will become majority leader in January, said in a speech on the Senate floor Thursday morning that Mr. Obama would regret choosing to ignore the wishes of the American people.

“If President Obama acts in defiance of the people and imposes his will on the country, Congress will act,” Mr. McConnell said just hours before the president was scheduled to speak to the nation on television. “We’re considering a variety of options. But make no mistake. Make no mistake. When the newly elected representatives of the people take their seats, they will act.”

Mr. McConnell did not say what options Republicans were considering, but the party is sharply divided about whether to shut down the government or seek Mr. Obama’s impeachment in an effort to stop the executive actions from moving forward. Some conservatives are pushing to do one or the other, while other Republicans have urged the party to avoid going down either of those routes.

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