New Democrat Coalition Chair Statement on President’s National Emergency Declaration

New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) released the following statement after the President declared a national emergency in order to secure funding to build a wall at the southern border:

“I strongly oppose President Trump’s plans to declare a national emergency and will work with our leaders in both parties to reign in the President’s abuse of authority. Declaring a national emergency is a violation of the spirit of the law. We have a framework for checks and balances, and as a Member of Congress I cannot stand for a complete bypass around this Constitutional framework. 

“This declaration would rob billions of dollars from drug intervention programs and ongoing military construction projects that are necessary to keep our nation safe and secure. I urge the President to abandon this irresponsible path forward and instead work with Congress to deal with our immigration, asylum, and border security challenges in a strategic way.”

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