ACLU Comment on House Passage of Resolution to Terminate Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON — The House today passed H.J. Res. 46, a resolution of disapproval to terminate the president’s emergency declaration to secure funds for a wall along the southern border.

Christopher Anders, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington Legislative Office, issued the following statement in response:

“We thank every member of Congress, from both sides of the aisle, who today upheld their oath to defend the Constitution. President Trump’s declaration of a phony national emergency to sidestep Congress is unprecedented, unauthorized, and unconstitutional. Every senator now bears the responsibility of defending Congress’ constitutional role, and making clear to future presidents of all parties that this dangerous and illegal expansion of presidential power won’t go unchecked.”

The ACLU yesterday sent a letter to the House urging members to defend the Constitution by voting for H.J. Res 46. The ACLU also recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Sierra Club and Southern Border Communities Coalition challenging the declaration to evade congressional funding restrictions, and mobilized nationwide protests against the president’s action.