March 14, 2019

Manchin Will Vote For Emergency Declaration Resolution Of Disapproval

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his decision to vote for the emergency declaration resolution of disapproval. 

“I will vote for the emergency declaration resolution of disapproval, overturning the President’s national emergency declaration on border security. Let me be clear, I support total border security, which includes building a wall on our southern border. However, I believe that those funds, according to the Constitution, need to be appropriated through Congress, not through executive authority. As Senator Byrd said:

‘The absolute bedrock of the people's continued freedom from tyranny and excesses of all types of authority is, again, anchored in the pages of history. It is the power of the purse. This essential tool—control of the purse by the people's representatives in Congress—lies at the very foundation of our freedoms. I believe that it is the fulcrum of the people's leverage. This control of the purse is one of the most effective bulwarks ever constructed to repel a despot, control a tyrant, or shackle the hands of an overreaching executive. Chip away at this fundamental barrier and one chips away at the very cornerstone of the people's liberties.’

“Regardless of who the President is, Congress has an obligation to defend the Constitution. That is why I oppose the President’s decision to unilaterally declare a national emergency. I fought President Obama’s executive overreach when he was in office, and I will do the same today with President Trump because I believe in the Constitution of the United States with all of my heart.” 

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