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Senate Rebukes Trump’s Border Emergency Declaration

HeadlineMar 15, 2019

In a stunning rebuke to the White House, the Senate on Thursday voted 59 to 41 on a resolution reversing President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump declared an emergency on February 15 in order to raid federal funds to pay for a border wall after Congress refused his request for nearly $6 billion. A dozen Republicans crossed the aisle to vote in favor of the measure, which had already been approved by House lawmakers on Tuesday. Ahead of the vote, Trump tweeted, “A vote for today’s resolution by Republican Senators is a vote for Nancy Pelosi, Crime, and the Open Border Democrats!” This is Republican Susan Collins of Maine.

Sen. Susan Collins: “It is a solemn occasion involving whether or not this body will stand up for its institutional prerogatives and will support the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution.”

After the Senate voted to nullify his national emergency, Trump tweeted a one-word response: ”VETO!” Congress does not yet appear to have the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, meaning the issue is likely to be decided by federal courts. Trump is planning a veto-signing ceremony at the White House today.

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