ACLU Comment on House Resolution to Terminate Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON — Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) today introduced a resolution of disapproval to terminate the president’s emergency declaration to secure funds for a wall along the southern border.

The American Civil Liberties Union recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Sierra Club and Southern Border Communities Coalition challenging the declaration to evade congressional funding restrictions, and mobilized nationwide protests against the president’s action.

Christopher Anders, deputy director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office, issued the following statement in response to the House resolution:

“It’s not just the job of the courts to uphold the Constitution — it’s the job of every member of Congress who swore an oath to defend the Constitution. Now is the time to make that oath meaningful and for Congress to defend its constitutional role.

“President Trump’s phony national emergency declaration to secure funds for a border wall is a dangerous expansion of presidential power and an assault on Congress’ role as a co-equal branch of the government. While existing acts of Congress do not authorize Trump’s recent action, his effort to abuse those laws makes it critical for every member of the House and Senate to vote for Rep. Castro’s resolution and swiftly end this constitutional crisis.”