Press Releases
Kuster Statement on Senate Vote to Terminate President Trump’s Emergency Declaration
Washington, DC,
March 14, 2019
Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on Senate passage of S.J. Res 10, which would terminate the national emergency President Trump declared at the southern border on February 15th. Last month, Kuster voted in favor of H.J. Res. 46, the House version of this legislation. Kuster has been vocal about her opposition to the President’s proposals to take money away from the military and critical drug apprehension efforts to build an unnecessary wall. She has also emphasized the need to invest in security at Ports of Entry where nearly 90% of illegal narcotics cross the border. “I’m pleased to see strong bipartisan support in the Senate and the House of Representatives for rejecting President Trump’s politically-motivated and unconstitutional emergency declaration,” said Kuster. “President Trump’s medieval wall represents a waste of valuable resources intended for our military and drug apprehension efforts. We need real, effective reforms to address the challenges we face in our immigration system, not partisan gamesmanship. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on 21st century border security and immigration reform that will truly make our country safer.” In his emergency declaration, President Trump is proposing to tap into $2.5 billion from the military through its Interdiction and counter drug account and $600 million from an asset forfeiture program at the Treasury Department. Additionally, the President intends to use $3.5 billion allocated for military construction to improve bases for U.S. troops and recruit, train, and retain members of the military. Kuster joined the New Hampshire Delegation in writing to the President to express concern about the use of funds intended for the New Hampshire National Guard and Portsmouth Naval shipyard. ### |