Becoming American Initiative Director Linda Chavez signed a joint statement protesting President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency for border wall funding.
In the past, Republicans have resolutely denounced this type of executive authority. In 2014, Republicans successfully argued that they had grounds to sue the Obama Administration after officials used federal funds that had not been approved by Congress to pay insurers under the Affordable Care Act. It is critical that Republicans continue their proud tradition of upholding the rule of law and ensuring limited executive power.
Paradoxically, the President’s plan may include repurposing critical funds in a way that undermines our national security. By diverting $2.5 billion from the Department of Defense military narcotics fund and nearly one-third ($3.6 billion) of the total $10.5 billion military construction budget, the President is unilaterally directing how the Pentagon spends funds in support of the armed forces. This diverted funding will impact the specific uses for which Congress appropriated the money, including operational and training readiness facilities, the maintenance and production of missile assembly-building and high explosive magazines facilities, and funding for service members and their families that would improve schools and medical facilities.
Read the full statement here.