US House Vote Opposes Diversion of Funds for Wall on Southern Border
The House of Representatives voted last night to overturn president Trump’s declaration of a national emergency that would begin construction of a border wall with money appropriated by Congress for other purposes. Two Michigan representatives, Justin Amash and Fred Upton, were among 13 Republicans to cross the aisle and join all of Michigan’s Democrats in the 245-182 vote. The senate must hold a vote on the resolution within 18 days.
“Representatives Amash and Upton put their country and their fidelity to the Constitution above their party loyalty, and they should be applauded for their courage,” said Rev. Nathan Dannison of the First Congregational Church in Kalamazoo. “We need more Republicans to show real leadership like this, and defend our democracy. Standing up for our system of checks-and-balances should be non-partisan.”
Last week, Rep. Rashida Tlaib stood with Michigan United members to dispute Trump’s claim of a national emergency at the southern border when unauthorized crossings are at a 48 year low. “The President’s attempt to snatch money that’s designated for other projects is truly outrageous given the moral need to keep immigrant families together,” said Rep. Tlaib. “Instead of this stunt, Trump should be focused on urgent priorities like providing healthcare protection for all Americans, ridding our communities of poverty, gun safety, and comprehensive immigration reform.”
We at Michigan United applaud the vote by congress to deny president Trump his manufactured national emergency that would protect no one, further endanger migrants and curse us with a disgraceful monument to racism. We are especially proud of representatives Amash and Upton. Their bold stand protects our national character and rejects the lies and fear mongering used to divide us for short term political gain.
