“VETO!”
That was President Donald Trump’s one-word response on Twitter to the Senate after it passed a resolution to overturn his national emergency declaration on the southern border. The resolution passed 59 to 41, with 12 Senate Republicans voting in favor.
That was enough to pass the Senate, but 59 votes is not enough to override a veto. That takes two-thirds majorities in both chambers of Congress: 67 votes in the Senate, plus another 290 in the House. And it seems doubtful there will be the votes in either chamber to do so.
In February, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) dismissed the idea that the veto would be overridden with the help of House Republicans, saying, “I don’t see any way that would get overridden, if it were vetoed, in any way shape or form.”
Similarly, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) declared, “there will be nowhere near the votes to override a veto.”
Meaning, in all likelihood, the veto will stand. That’s that.
In Trump’s emergency declaration, he reprogrammed $8.1 billion of uncommitted military construction funds to building the wall and steel barriers along the southern border. It includes: “About $601 million from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund… Up to $2.5 billion under the Department of Defense funds transferred for Support for Counterdrug Activities (Title 10 United States Code, section 284)… Up to $3.6 billion reallocated from Department of Defense military construction projects under the President’s declaration of a national emergency (Title 10 United States Code, section 2808)…”
That will come atop Congress’ prior approval of $1.6 billion in 2018 for replacing existing fencing with new steel barriers and another $1.375 billion in 2019 for some new steel barriers Trump managed to get after the longest partial government shutdown in history.
That was more than Trump was going to get for the wall without doing the shutdown, but still far less than he needed in order to get the job done. With no other options, he invoked pre-existing limited authority granted by Congress, including 10 U.S. Code § 2808(a), which allows uncommitted monies to be redirected in the event of a national emergency.
It states, “In the event of a declaration of war or the declaration by the President of a national emergency in accordance with the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) that requires use of the armed forces, the Secretary of Defense, without regard to any other provision of law, may undertake military construction projects, and may authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake military construction projects, not otherwise authorized by law that are necessary to support such use of the armed forces. Such projects may be undertaken only within the total amount of funds that have been appropriated for military construction, including funds appropriated for family housing, that have not been obligated.”
So, Senators’ posturing aside, the question is not whether Congress granted the fiscal reprograming authority when the President determines there is an emergency. It did 37 years ago in the 1982 Military Construction Codification Act, which expanded some of the authorities from the National Emergencies Act.
National emergencies have been declared more than 50 times in the past 43 years, but this is the first time Congress has ever attempted to overturn one.
As Americans for Limited Government President Rick Manning noted in a statement, the fiscal reprogramming authority the President is invoking is similar to other authorities Congress grants: “[It] is no different than Congress’ authority to appropriate huge sums of money for broad purposes, leaving it to departments and agencies to determine how best to meet those goals via the contracting process. It is no different than the limited transfer authority Congress grants agencies every fiscal year.”
Manning added, “To pretend that this bit of discretion is different from all the other discretions it has granted is disingenuous at best.”
Indeed. Congress has not acted to repeal these authorities, or it would have done so long ago. The fact that Congress refuses to secure this country by adequately protecting the border pretty much creates the emergency and humanitarian crisis on the border, as drugs, gangs and human trafficking continues to press in. What’s different now is there is finally a president who is doing something about it.
Fortunately, Congressional Republicans have an opportunity to redeem themselves and get the wall built, by voting to sustain Trump’s veto. Now’s the time to fight.
The wall is as important as the Statue of Liberty.
AMAC members should do all they can about replacing those 12 GOPpers. 1) Commence primary searches today. 2) stop contributing to the 12’s re-election fund – sure its a long process before all 12 will have to find other work. But start. And do not wait for Term-limit legislation – nobody is going to vote to send themselves to the unemployment queues!
God bless Donald Trump & keep him strong to fight the Democrats, Republicans, Congress, etc. that are desperately trying to destroy our country from within. We’re with you, President Trump, Build the Wall!❤️??
Eminent domain, seize all land within 10 miles of the border and reclassify as federal preserve and utilize the epa to keep area prestige. If that fails, area should become a militarized zone/no mans land. People will have to answer to military law.
I too am disappointed in the republicans and Washington for not following the already established laws. More disappointing is the fact that coming to the USA has lost all its benefits & charm. Can’t we see that free everything makes us no different and offers nothing special for anything or anyone. Go to Washington, get insider trader tips, & get rich. The people in USA will rise up some time soon and then we will hurting for our children will no fix. Then see our nation invaded by the world.
With the conviction of El Chapo, why not freeze his funds & the funds of his cartel to pay for the Wall? Poetic jusrice!
I think the President is doing a great job!
THE AMERICAN INDIAN DID NOT HAVE AN IMMIGRATION POLICY! SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM??
I am so thankful for the AMAC blog format which allows us like minded conservatives to meet and comment. After we build the wall on the southern border we need to build a wall on the left border and separate Calif from the rest of the nation.
I go with him. Something needs to be done down there and to wait on congress is a waste of time.
If congress can live with walls and gates around their homes with armed guards for their protection. American people should be safe as well and be protected. There are far mire Americans to be protected the people in congress
Lets get the wall built
The wall is all about protecting America. We all know that, and we all know it needs to be built. The problem is the Trump haters. Obama’s mission for 8 long years was to divide America, and it seems to me that he is still in power. The answer to this whole freaking mess is to hold those who have committed crimes against America accountable, and then hold those who speak from a professional standpoint (politicians, media, etc.) accountable for what they say. Yes this is a free country and we do have freedom of speech, but that does not include telling lies and spreading misinformation aimed at hurting this country or President Trump who is doing his best to protect this country.
I Hope President Trump can get at Least the majority of the wall built before he leaves office, because we won”t find another President with enough back bone to stand up to moron bullies
My one Republican Senator was one of the disingenuous 12. The notion that President Trump’s employment of this legitimate power will trigger some future Democrat President to attempt to overturn the first or second amendments or go full-in on draconian measures and taxation for a “climate change” emergency is fallacious. In fact, this is more likely to happen if the Democrats succeed in overwhelming our nation with their imported voters. This mass migration of uneducated, poor people who the Democrats will continue to press into the voting booth is one of the primary keys to their oft repeated pledge to fundamentally transform the United States of America.
I would like to have the Names and contact information of all Republican Senators the voted for the resolution to stop President Trump from building the wall at the border. I think everyone should let them know how they feel about it. They are not representing the will of the “Citizens” that elected them.
Build the wall.
I am very disapointed in the Republicans who didn’t stand with the president on the wall
Here is a list of the useless Republicans who voted against protecting the U. S. border; they need to find other employment and I hope they get it next election:
Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah; Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; Roger Wicker, R-Miss.; Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; Jerry Moran, R-Kan.; and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Mitt Romney, R-Utah.
Romney, while voting against the president, straddled the fence: “This is not about the president or border security, in fact I support border security, I support a barrier.”
Really??
The Swamp proves to be much wider, deeper and more viscous than anyone knew. . .
VETO
When Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff & Chuck Schumer have headless dead human bodies on their front door steps–it can be arranged–, do you think that they might confirm that there is a crisis on our southern border? I have been in two car accidents with undocumented young men in borrowed cars. Each shrugged their shoulders. Fortunately my truck was stronger than their borrowed cars, but, eventually I had to replace my vehicle. Build the wall. Build it long & build it high. Electrify it with solar panels.
A lot of “republicans” think they are acting with decorum… doing the honorable thing… playing by the rules. The problem is they are playing against a team that doesn’t give a crap about the rules… (i.e.: Kavanaugh). They have the wrong rule book for the fight they find themselves in. It is like war… all’s fair in war. They need to pull their heads out and focus on the win for the country. This mammby pammby BS about “if we do it, then they will do it” simply translates to THEY WILL DO IT ANYWAY!!!
So disappointed in the “conservatives” at this time.
All I can say is Bravo, President Trump! Now, if all the supporters below are doing more than just blowing hot air, I suggest they put their money where their mouths are, and donate as much as possible to keep things rolling!
We are and have been overwhelmed by illegal immigration for years down here in Texas. Many of them are on food stamps that we the citizens of this country pay for. I see them at the grocery store using their Lone Star card (government issued food stamps). They can’t speak English probably don’t care to learn. Why do we citizens and tax payers have to pay for being invaded by third workers that want to take our jobs and keep wages at rock bottom. You can thank Wall Street and the Koch brothers for this. You can also thank the democrats that want to take over Texas.
??
I, too, am disappointed that 12 republicans joined the communist democrats in the resolution to stop President Trump’s emergency declaration, although it’s no surprise at all that scumbag rino Romney went along with it. He’s always been a two faced liar, which is the main reason why he didn’t get the nomination last time. I hope more voters are waking up to the fact that Trump’s agenda to Make America Great again is already working in spite of all the anti-American Socialists fake news and false accusations being spread by the sadly “Mainstream Media “, that has just become the willing mouthpiece for them. Absolutely no integrity left in any of them.
SHAME ON those 12 Republicans. You will not be forgotten. You are cowards. We do have an emergency at our borders. You all forget to mention all the underground tunnels at the border that you all know about. Terrorists and illegsl immigrants are using these tunnels every day. It is a crisis at our border.
I want Trump to build the WALL. You 12 can join the democrats and move to another country. You are all disgraceful.
Is the real agenda, open borders, to stack the deck at the ballot box? GOP has its head in the sand for the ultimate decision of power will be determined at the ballot box come 2020, as the formerly known party called Democrats now Socialists are doing everything to undermine the electoral college where the popular vote will determine the out come. Couple this with 15 states that DO NOT require any form of ID to vote. The end justifies the means, win at all costs. This is the wild,wild west with no rules but to win as the GOP is in a pillow fight and in a circular firing squad with 12 Republicans siding with Pelosi. Why would any rep of the people not want to secure / fund our borders? Defies common sense unless their is a hidden agenda to flood the ballot box with amateur voters. In the meantime, China is forever focused on their 100 year war to become the global player, economically and militarily.
The president is right it’s sickening that rinos didn’t support him
Please vote to limit terms! Get people out of office like the 12 Republican turncoats who won’t stand with our President. Those who don’t work for the safety of their constituents don’t earn our money our our respect and don’t earn a seat in government.
You know what is really u a slap in the face; humiliating and unappreciated to veterans? Veterans, over a hundred years now, bled died and were wounded, protecting other countries borders! And we can’t have control over our own damned border, with stupid Congress saying it’s NOT AN EMERGENCY, while Americans are dying because of it!!? Screw Congress, the Dumbocrats, the Commie Socialists, and the GUTLESS Republicans!
Our representative red to do something constructive about our border instead of being stupid.
The 12 Republican Senators who voted against the security of the American people need to be primaried and run out of Washington.
Thank you President Trump for having the guts to take a stand and do something to help protect our boarders from uninvited groups wanting to come in without permission. Its interesting that we are trying to build a wall to keep people out whereas Russia and China built walls to keep people in. Thanks again President Trump and those who value our society and country enough to stand up and do make a difference, the difference we voted them into office in the first place.
Obviously the twelve Republicans who chose to vote against the President did so on their own – without asking their constituents. We elected President Trump to “SECURE” our borders. He is trying to do what we asked him to do. The twelve Turncoats are no more than damocrats in sheep’s clothing. They say one thing then turn and vote with the Leftist, Liberal, Socialists who are bent on bring America to third world status. Absolutely disgusting.
Where were these 12 traitors, when Obama declared national emergencies to redirect monies to: Libya, Yemen, Ukraine, Burundi, Somalia, Venezuela, South Sudan, Central Africa, where money is STILL being sent? Why won’t they protect OUR country? They are a part of the problem and I hope history judges them harshly. If they didn’t like the law, then they should amend and/or vote to get rid of this law.
Hold FIRM President Trump with your Veto! We’re Praying for you and all those of kindred spirit…We’re even are praying for your opponents.
Shame, SHAME, and DOUBLE SHAME on you “turn coat” REPUBLICAN Senators for Not voting to Protect American citizens and thode who are exploited victims of sex, illegal, and drug trafficking!! They are as followed:
Alexander, TN; Blunt, MO; Collins, MA: King, INDEP. from ME; LEE, UT;
Moran, KS; Murkowsi, Alaska; Paul, KY; WICKER, MS; Toomey, PA; RUBIO, FL; Romney, UT; Portman, OH
Congress granted Presidents the authority to declare a national emergency and reappropriate funds from other areas of the budget in 1976. It has been used 50 times in 43 years (more than once a year on average). Yet this is the first time congress has tried to override the President’s declaration. THAT is unprecedented.
It is extremely sad that those 12 Republicans voted with the Democrats. I think they are completely out of touch with what America wants and that is a secure border.
Why in the world would they let down the President, their fellow Republicans and the overwhelming desire of the American citizens.
President Trump is the first President to face the border problem with the correct solution, secure our border.
Build The Wall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The gutless Republican’s we voted in. Time they go and do what the citizens voted them in to do.
President Trump, we’re with you 100%. Build the wall.
I emailed all of the resistant senators, then sent Senator Tillis a big thank you for his change of heart in keeping America safe. Please think about doing the same as we need to let these senators know we appreciate their clear thinking! These RINOs need to be booted out of office. They dislike our President and have thrown every possible obstacle in his path. As Manning stated “To pretend that this bit of discretion is different from all the other discretions it has granted is disingenuous at best.” You can’t say it any better than that.
I agree with President Trump. I am very disappointed with the Republicans who voted ? with the Democrats. Republicans better learn to stick together and be unified with their party or become democrats. The democrats never break rank. Smarten up Republicans or you are going to lose your seats in Congress. Term Limits are coming and this is why. Two terms and goodbye ?.
OurTN RINOis a lame duck, TN has an opioid problem and he dodged it by this cowardly act. Never voted against Obama, or GW when they did it numerous times.
He is the only president in years that is wanting to protect America. God Bless President Trump. Build the WALL!!!!
The so called Republicans who voted against should face the consequences on election day.
Go trump go
Wide open borders have got to go. Walls are the standard in most of the world . Come in legally you will be welcome ??????
I am also greatly disappointed in the 12 Republican Senators who voted with the democrats. Especially the Utah Sen. Romney and Lee. I think we should send all illegals captured to Utah since they seem to feel the border is safe and let them deal with the problem that exists in Texas and Arizona. It also exists in California but they don’t care either as it increases their liberal voting base and also since they are already broke it doesn’t seem to bother them.