Spanberger Votes with Bipartisan Majority to Overturn National Emergency Declaration, Preserve Checks & Balances

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after voting with a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bipartisan resolution—which Spanberger cosponsored—to end the administration’s national emergency declaration.

“The national emergency declaration was a drastic overstep of Executive authority. Congress is entrusted with the power of the purse, so I found it deeply troubling that the President chose to expand his presidential powers, rather than respect the legislative process and the best judgment of lawmakers. Under this declaration, funding for key military projects in Virginia and across the country could be diverted towards the southern border, which could actually weaken—not strengthen—national security.

“In contrast, the funding deal passed by Congress earlier this month was the result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations—and it actually included strong investments in border security infrastructure. We shouldn’t appropriate taxpayer dollars through executive fiat, especially when Congress has already deliberated and made a decision. Instead, we should respect the constitutional responsibilities of the legislative branch to reach hard-fought compromises. When these duties are intentionally undermined, we have an obligation to speak up.

“I’m proud to cosponsor and help pass this bipartisan resolution, which would defend the critical checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. Members of Congress must immediately reassert the importance of the separation of powers on which our system of government was founded. It shouldn’t be a partisan issue. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this resolution.”

The Spanberger-backed resolution now advances to the U.S. Senate, where it must be considered for a vote within 18 days. The bipartisan resolution was led by U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20).

Background

On February 15, President Trump issued a national emergency declaration to divert already-appropriated federal funding to strengthen border security. This proclamation came one day after Congress passed and the President signed into law a bipartisan funding agreement, which Spanberger supported. Immediately following the announcement of the emergency declaration earlier this month, Spanberger voiced her opposition to the national emergency.

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of 58 former senior national security officials released a statement in opposition to the declaration. And earlier this month, more than two-dozen former Republican Members of Congress wrote a joint letter urging Congress to support the resolution cosponsored by Spanberger to roll back the emergency declaration.

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