Termination of National Emergency Declared By the President on February 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the joint resolution to overturn the President's declaration. I think it is very clear that there is a national emergency that exists on our southern border because of the high rate of unchecked, unregulated illegal immigration, illegal immigration that is directly contributing to the flow of drugs, human trafficking, and gang members into this country, not to mention the humanitarian crisis of those who feel compelled to make this journey to illegally enter this country.

I think there seems to be some confusion among many of my colleagues and maybe many across the country about the action of the President.

President Trump is clearly acting within the authority that is provided by Congress to confront a border security and humanitarian crisis that constitutes a national emergency.

The threat to our border security is evident from the sheer number of migrants seeking to gain illegal entry into this country, and especially the number of criminal aliens in the form of cartels, traffickers, and gangs. These people will continue to take advantage of our weak borders for their own gain.

I recognize that Congress has lawfully enacted the authority for the President to use military construction funds to support Armed Forces to engage in accordance with the National Emergencies Act.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to oppose this joint resolution, as the crisis at the border is real.

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