Arizona political leaders weighed in on President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration response to the crisis on the southern border.
President Trump declared the emergency after Congress passed a budget bill that included only $1.375 billion to fund border wall construction.
The declaration allows the president to spend an additional $6 billion on the border wall.
Trump reminded reporters that presidents over the last four decades have declared 58 national emergencies. He also noted that governors have also declared border emergencies, including former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.
Arizona has watched for decades as Washington has failed to prioritize border security. It’s unfortunate it has come to this rather than Congress doing its job. But action is needed. I support President Trump’s plan to secure our border.
— Governor Doug Ducey, Republican (@dougducey) February 16, 2019
We must act to secure our border, but diverting funds from our military will jeopardize operations & put our troops at risk. We must work together on a bipartisan solution that invests in border security tech and fill vacant border patrol positions. #AZ01 https://t.co/4kgW8bzcX5
— Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Flagstaff (@RepOHalleran) February 15, 2019
Last night, we arguably set back our efforts to secure the border. Now, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump will use his executive authority to obtain border wall funding. It’s not the big deal that Democrats are claiming – in some scenarios, Congress has DELEGATED this authority to him. pic.twitter.com/LMyBIdpGvE
— Rep Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) February 15, 2019
(2/2) I support @POTUS’s goal, which is to further fund border security. I will continue to study the emergency declaration and additional funding proposal to ensure it increases border security while not adversely impacting our military.
— Martha McSally, Republican (@SenMcSallyAZ) February 16, 2019
I will support President @realDonaldTrump’s use of his executive authority to end this crisis if he chooses to do so. This threat to our national security is a national emergency and we must take action.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria (@RepDLesko) February 15, 2019
I will be cosponsoring this resolution. #FakeEmergency https://t.co/TfIxsY9i6s
— Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix (@RepRubenGallego) February 15, 2019
A political disagreement is not a national emergency. The only national emergency is the current occupant of the White House. https://t.co/fLwG4TNLgP
— Raul M. Grijalva, D-Tucson (@RepRaulGrijalva) February 15, 2019