U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, announced late Thursday that he will co-sponsor a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, to block what a news release from Palmer's office calls the Obama administration's "unconstitutional attempt to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants by executive fiat."

Palmer -- newly sworn in as the representative for the Alabama 6th District -- is referring to executive orders on immigration issued by Obama in November.

Aderholt's bill, H.R. 191, would block the funds needed to implement Obama's order.

"President Obama has created a constitutional crisis, and members of the Congress are obligated by their own oaths to the constitution to respond to the crisis," Palmer said in the news release. "This legislation does that and would restore constitutional balance between the branches of government. By taking this action, Congress reasserts its constitutional powers and establishes a foundation for opposing future executive orders that usurp Congressional authority. In passing this legislation, through the power of the purse, we will be preserving the power of Congress and halting the President's unconstitutional action."

Aderholt introduced his bill on the first day of the new Congress on Tuesday. According to Aderholt, his bill "not only defunds the President's actions towards amnesty but also removes the President's discretion in the ability to grant work permits, Social Security, and other federal benefits that go along with his order."

AL.com will continue to follow this story.