Eleven GOP senators voted to cancel President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national border emergency and his subsequent transfer of agency funding to build the border wall.
This 54 to 41 vote was not about the border wall, but whether “the Congress of the United States of America should yield its constitutionally prescribed power of the purse to the President,” said Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
“The answer to that question, regardless of who is in the White House … should be no,” Collins continued. “Congress alone is empowered by the constitution to adopt laws directing money from the U.S. Treasury.”
The president “stole” the money, and “I will not stand for that,” said Vermont Democrat Sen. Patrick Leahy. The president took the funding from other projects, such as the replacement of older schools at military bases, said Leahy, who is the top Democrat on the appropriations panel.
Senators should vote against the resolution because “there is no Earthly reason why Democrats would force us to have one or the other,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Duke Law’s alleged race-based admissions accused of defying Supreme Court ruling: DOJ
US Army offering defense firms ‘concierge access’ to test weapons at military ranges
Blanche Appears Poised for AG Confirmation as GOP Senator Announces Support
10 Democrats and Rand Paul oppose Russia sanctions bill
Democrats Furious as Trump Signs Two Executive Orders to End Birth Tourism
Maryland’s lone congressional Republican blasts Moore’s redistricting push as alleged 2028 White House play
Fraternal Order of Police slams vulnerable House Democrat for using logo in constituent mail
Woman Sues Yankees for $10 Million After Scary Incident at Game
Counterterrorism expert warns Abdul El-Sayed Senate bid raises homeland security concerns
Don Lemon moves to dismiss case over Minnesota church protest on selective and vindictive prosecution claims
Humiliation for Ireland: Famously Anti-Israel State’s New ‘Air Force One’ Can’t Always Land Safely After They Banned Jewish State’s Technology
Nancy Guthrie investigators see uptick in tips after ransom notes release: Sheriff
Alex Murdaugh demands new evidence search in hunt for cracks in case
Blanche’s Attorney General Confirmation Hanging in the Balance After 2nd Republican Announces Opposition
Mother of Slain Citadel Cadet Speaks Out After Repeat Criminal Is Arrested for His Murder
“The joint resolution is passed,” Utah Sen. Mitt Romney announced from the Senate’s chair.
The 11 GOP senators who voted against the emergency and the wall included Collins, Romney, retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN), along with Sens. Roy Blunt (MO), Mike Lee (UT), Jerry Moran (KS), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rand Paul (KY), Rob Portman (OH), Pat Toomey (PA), and Roger Wicker (MS).
Collins spoke during the brief debate and vote, saying she supported additional construction at the border.
Several GOP senators declined to vote.
Trump will likely veto the resolution, and the 54 votes in favor are not enough to overcome the president’s veto.
Trump announced the emergency in February after Democrats blocked the funding for the border wall. Trump’s emergency declaration uses powers that prior Congresses voted to give to the president.
Story cited here.
