House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur) says President Barack Obama likely has the authority to raise the minimum wage for new federal contract workers. But the speaker warned against any other unilateral steps that could encroach on the Constitution.

Boehner told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference Tuesday that a unilateral increase in the minimum wage is bad policy that will cost low-income Americans their jobs. He says that will hurt the people the president intends to help.

The Ohio Republican said the GOP will be watching Obama to ensure he doesn’t exceed his authority with other executive actions. Boehner said the president took an oath to obey the tenets of the Constitution.

Pressed on what steps Republicans might take, Boehner said there are unspecified options that the GOP will discuss at their annual retreat this week.

(AP)