The House on Feb. 26 approved a resolution to overturn President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency on the southern border. The 245-182 vote was mostly along party lines, with 13 Republicans crossing over to join all Democrats in approving the resolution. Under the National Emergencies Act, the Senate is required to take up the measure within approximately 18 days of the House vote. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has indicated the Senate will vote on the resolution before its March 18 recess. This means the Senate should act on or before Friday, March 15.

A simple majority of senators is needed to approve the resolution. If every Democrat votes in favor, then four Republicans would be needed to achieve a majority. Thus far, four Republicans – Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) – have indicated they would vote for the measure, enough to pass it. However, a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate would be needed to override an expected veto by President Trump. It would be Trump’s first veto while in office.

Shortly before the House vote, CHN delivered a letter to every member of the House urging a yes vote on the resolution.

Democrats argue that Trump’s emergency declaration amounts to an unconstitutional effort to spend tax dollars on his proposed wall along the southern border – money that Congress has not appropriated for that purpose. They further argue that there is no southern border crisis. Some Republicans counter that a national emergency does, in fact, exist, and it is within the President’s authority to transfer funds.

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