President Donald Trump attempts to circumvent Congress approval of funds, but the battle between the White House and the Capital about funding a border wall continues.
On the day that Trump threatened to shut down the government again, he declared that there was a national emergency at the southern border wall.
In doing so, he announced plans to use military and massive construction efforts to build a barricade. In a released statement Trump reiterates claims that the planned wall prevents the US-Mexico border being “a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics.”
Trump called for a concerted effort by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
“The problem of large-scale unlawful migration through the southern border is long-standing, and despite the executive branch’s exercise of existing statutory authorities, the situation has worsened in certain respects in recent years,” says Trump in his statement.
The declaration comes after Congress continues to reject a portion of the federal budget to go to the miles-long assemblage of a border wall. Even after a 35-day partial government shutdown by Trump for their refusal and his threat to reinstate a halt on full government operations, Congress stands firm on a solid, no.
Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement:
“This declaration has more to do with the President’s bruised ego than actually doing what is best for America.” She continues, “This is a fake solution to a fake crisis and we must stand firm in keeping the nation focused on the real issues impacting Americans.”
Major Speaker of House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) posted a message to Trump claiming that is actions have legal ramifications
Trump’s declaration still must be voted on by Congress. If they still deny funding, he can veto their decision, at which time, Congressional officials will more than likely file lawsuits.
.@realDonaldTrump’s unlawful declaration over a crisis that does not exist does great violence to our Constitution and makes America less safe, stealing from urgently needed defense funds for the security of our military and our nation.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 15, 2019
Pelosi part of bipartisan committee to prevent another government shutdown and address how funding should be allocated to the Department of Homeland Security for border protection.
At the ceremony to officially enrolling the formation of the committee, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) who represents a district on the border offered remarks of the joint efforts:
Unfortunately, there are some people that see the border as a crisis, as a place that is out of control. For us that live on the border, that spend time at the border, we see the border as opportunity and community, a place where we see trade, where we see tourism, where we want to raise our families and send our kids to school and start our businesses. From there, we were able to put those visions together and find a balance.
We don’t believe in open borders. We want to see smart border security, not a 14th Century wall that the President believes in, but we want to find the balance between security and legitimate trade and tourism.
Ark Republic reached out to Pelosi on plans for their next meeting, but there has been no response at this moment.
