The Latest: Dems push to override Trump veto on border
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Congress and President Donald Trump’s border wall (all times local):
2 p.m.
An effort by House Democrats to override President Donald Trump’s first veto has failed. That hands him a victory because his declaration of a national emergency at the Southwest border will remain in effect.
The Democratic-controlled chamber has voted 248-181 in favor of overriding Trump’s veto. That fell 38 votes short of the 286 needed for Democrats and their handful of Republican allies to prevail, because a two-thirds majority was needed.
The emergency declaration would let Trump shift an additional $3.6 billion from military construction projects to erecting barriers along the border with Mexico. Building the wall was one of Trump’s most repeated campaign pledges, though he said it would be paid for by Mexico, not taxpayers.
Congress voted to provide less than $1.4 billion for barrier construction. Court challenges may eventually block the extra money Trump wants
__
1:05 p.m.
House Democrats trying to override President Donald Trump’s first veto say his plan to shift billions of extra dollars into building border barriers is a waste of money and an abuse of his powers.
But their veto override attempt seems certain to fall short of the two-thirds majority they will need to succeed later Tuesday.
Congress sent him legislation blocking his declaration of a national emergency at the border. He’s using it to shift $3.6 billion from military construction projects to building barriers.
Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon says money shouldn’t be spent on Trump’s “stupid, static wall.” Texas Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro says Trump is guilty of “constitutional vandalism.”
Republican Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri says there is a border crisis and says Trump acted “well within his legal authority.”
__
12:17 a.m.
President Donald Trump is nearing a victory over Democrats as the House tries overriding his first veto. Tuesday’s vote seems certain to fail, which means his declaration of a national emergency at the Mexican border would stand.
Trump’s emergency would let him shift an additional $3.6 billion from military construction projects to work on a barrier along the southwest boundary.
Congress has approved less than $1.4 billion. Building the wall was one of his most oft-repeated campaign promises, though he claimed the money would come from Mexico.
Trump’s emergency declaration drew unanimous opposition from congressional Democrats and opposition from some Republicans. Lawmakers objected that he was abusing presidential powers.
The House seems sure to fall short of the two-thirds margin needed to override vetoes.
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
