Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON— Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement following President Donald J. Trump’s declaration of a national emergency:
“The President’s declaration of this “so-called emergency” is a violation of constitutional authority to reallocate billions of federal dollars that have been already appropriated by the U.S. Congress. He is taking money away from the military, from our law enforcement officials and from many other needed services. His intent is to bypass congressional authority, the power of the purse which belongs to Congress under our constitution and follow through on his campaign promise.
“I, along with many of my colleagues, disagree with the President’s mischaracterization of the border. The border is a place of opportunity, community, and family.
“I live at the border— I eat the food, breathe the air, and call it home. According to the latest FBI statistics, the border is safer than most other places across the nation. There is no crisis.
“As the only border member on the conference committee, I worked hard with appropriators from both parties and both chambers to find a compromise that will keep the government open and properly secure our southern border. This bipartisan bill to keep the government open was passed by the Senate on a 83- 16 vote, and the House by a 300-128 vote showing strong bipartisan support. “
