Rep. Zeldin Statement in Opposition to H.J. Res. 46

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after voting this evening against House Joint Resolution 46:

"The President's emergency declaration was not Plan A. Plan A was for Congress to do its job and clearly and specifically allocate the resources we need to safeguard our country. Unfortunately, some Members of Congress became suddenly opposed to increased funding to harden our physical border barrier just because they and their base hate the President. It's disappointing many want to play political games instead of govern. It is important our country does a better job combating illegal immigration, transnational gangs like MS-13, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking. The Executive Branch does have some flexibility with regards to this particular emergency declaration, if the President stays within Congressional notification requirements and existing authorities related to certain pots of money. This is President Trump's 4th emergency declaration. President Barack Obama, for example, issued 10 and President George W. Bush issued 11. I look forward to learning even more about where most specifically this funding will be coming from to determine whether or not the programming of funds are legally permissible uses of discretionary spending authorities that exist. With that being said, it is a near certainty this decision will ultimately be ruled on by the Supreme Court."

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