WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton voted against a House resolution Tuesday to overturn President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the southern border.
The Democratic-led resolution, which must now pass the Senate, would nullify Trump’s national emergency, less than two weeks after he declared it Feb. 15. This marks the first time Congress has attempted to overturn a presidential emergency since the 1976 National Emergencies Act passed.
“While I strongly prefer that this be addressed through the legislative process, unfortunately, Democrat leaders in Congress refuse to put forth serious proposals to secure the U.S./Mexico border, which led to action by the president through the powers granted to him under the National Emergencies Act,” Tipton, R-Cortez, said in a prepared statement after the vote.
The resolution passed with 232 Democrats voting in favor of blocking the national emergency declaration. (Three Democrats did not cast a vote.)
Tipton has long supported strong border control. In a conversation Monday with The Durango Herald, he emphasized the “importance of maintaining our border and our security in terms of border threats that are coming over.”
He added: “We’re hopeful we’ll be able to see legislation actually move through the process. I think that’s important, but we also have empathy for the president’s position.”
Tipton called out House Democrats for what he saw as their unwillingness to work with the Trump administration.
“They’re not seeing a partner that is willing to work with them, particularly out of the House right now under Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi,” Tipton said.
In his statement after Tuesday’s vote, Tipton said, “Now, the constitutionality of the national emergency declaration will be declared by the Judicial Branch.”
The resolution passed the Democratic-held House with a wide majority Tuesday, with a vote of 245-182. Thirteen Republicans voted alongside Democratic colleagues to block the emergency declaration. The proposal now heads to the Senate.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., previously came out in opposition of Trump’s emergency declaration. On Feb. 14, Bennet released a statement saying, “Whatever your politics, every American should worry about President Trump’s attempt to bypass the U.S. Congress by inventing a national emergency.”
Although Bennet has not officially announced a 2020 bid for president, he was sighted in Iowa last weekend, alongside current campaigners.
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., has been more circumspect in his thoughts about the national emergency. Shortly after Trump’s announcement he said, “I’m currently reviewing the authorities the administration is using to declare a national emergency.”
The resolution is expected to face more opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Liz Weber is a student at American University in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Durango Herald.
