On Thursday night, the House of Representatives approved the compromise funding package to avert another government shutdown. The package was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate earlier in the day.
President Trump is expected to sign the bill Friday morning, and declare an emergency in order to reallocate approximately $8 billion additional dollars in order to fully fund construction of the southern border wall.
According to Rep. Andy Biggs, “This bill includes a whole host of items that are outside the bounds of constitutional spending, which severely add to our deficit and enhance bloated government programs with little accountability.”
Some of Arizona’s politicians took the time to explain their votes:
This funding bill is an insult to the thousands of Americans who are on the front lines of this humanitarian and national crisis at our southern border. The President should take all measures necessary to protect American lives. We must secure our border.
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) February 15, 2019
While I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues, I couldn’t vote for a funding bill that contains too many restrictions that may prevent the border fence from being built, ties the hands of law enforcement & potentially reduces the # of detention beds for criminals.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) February 15, 2019
I opposed tonight’s spending bill, and I urge @POTUS @realDonaldTrump to veto it should it reach his desk. However, I am encouraged that the President will immediately declare a national emergency to build the wall. https://t.co/dkSMKPGQcm #AZ05
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) February 15, 2019
I voted NO on the spending bill because I could not vote for legislation that rewards the unhinged behavior of the President and his racially-charged policies.
Border communities and immigrant families should not have to bear the brunt of the President’s lies. pic.twitter.com/XVEwFxe5zG
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) February 15, 2019
While this deal is far from perfect, it sets us on the right course to address the pressing needs of #AZ01, including comprehensive immigration reform, infrastructure investments, and, most importantly, a bipartisan budget. Read my full statement: https://t.co/T7cumtRPCv
— Rep. Tom O’Halleran (@RepOHalleran) February 14, 2019
“National Emergency” words of a dangerous precedent, Mr. President.
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) February 14, 2019
I voted today for a bipartisan funding bill that keeps our government open, and provides a down payment on resources necessary to secure our southern border.
Read my full statement below: pic.twitter.com/XKF2thteWY
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) February 14, 2019