February 26, 2019

Reschenthaler Opposes Democratic Showmanship, Supports Emergency Declaration at the Southern Border

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) opposed H.J.Res. 46, the Democrats' futile effort to block President Donald J. Trump's declaration of a national emergency at our southern border. President Trump has already indicated that should this resolution come to his desk, he would veto it.

"The most important job of the federal government is to protect its citizens. By refusing to fund the border infrastructure necessary to keep Americans safe, Congressional Democrats forced President Trump to declare a national emergency," said Reschenthaler. "It is past time for our country to address the security threats and humanitarian crisis at our southern border, and I hope Speaker Pelosi will end the political showmanship and support the president in addressing this crisis."

The National Emergencies Act of 1976 authorizes the president to declare a national emergency, which activates emergency powers contained in other federal statutes, on the condition that the president must specify which powers they intend to use. There are currently 32 emergencies in effect, most of which were issued under prior administrations and renewed by the president. This includes a declaration made by President Barack Obama to deal with the threat of criminal cartels, including cartels operating on our southern border.

"As dangerous drugs continue to cross into our nation and the humanitarian crisis escalates, I will stand with President Trump to address this emergency and keep Americans safe," stated Reschenthaler.

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