The Senate voted 59-41 Thursday to block President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration to build a wall at the US-Mexico border. The House passed the bill last month. Trump tweeted "veto" after the Senate vote. Those Republicans voting against the emergency resolution were: Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Lee (R-UT), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Mit Romney (R-UT). Some Republican senators voted against the Emergency Resolution because they believe it should not be used to circumvent the Constitution.
The Constitution requires the House of Representatives to originate spending bills. The border wall will cost several billion dollars and the House refuses to authorize money for it. It is all part of the obstructionist game the House Democrats are playing to undermine the Trump presidency-anything he wants, they oppose. The Democrats in Congress, assisted by a handful of like-minded Republicans have brought government to a standstill, mainly over the hate of Trump. Some could argue that this is not true, but just turn on a news program and it is self-evident. These establishment politicians didn't get the president they wanted so they are shutting things down until he is removed from office. This is the real Constitutional crisis.
Those standing on Constitutional principle, or who are making the Constitutional argument, should at least be consistent. Article 6 Clause 3 of the Constitution requires members of the House and Senate to support the Constitution. The Senate oath of office says, "I
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." The House oath is similar. Defending the Constitution implies upholding the laws of the nation and protecting national security. The inconsistency for Congress is that it is allowing an invasion of illegal immigrants into this country at great risk to national security.
Herein, they are not upholding or defending the Constitution. To say that they oppose an Emergency Resolution that would protect national security on Constitutional grounds is therefore hypocritical. Congress thus far has opted to oppose any plan that would protect our nation's borders. Whether it is a wall or some other effective measure, arguments that this illegal invasion is not a matter of national security do not meet the straight face test. They say they are upholding the Constitution by their vote against Trump's national security resolution, yet they are ignoring their duty to require enforcement of border security. What does the Bible say about these things...James 1:8, "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."
