Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am pleased to join my colleagues and very much appreciate Senator Udall's leadership on the joint resolution we are speaking to today. This is the resolution that would end the President's unconstitutional emergency declaration, which is diverting money from critical military construction projects to fund a costly and ineffective border wall. Congress has made it abundantly clear that we did not provide funding for the President's border wall and that we don't approve of raiding military resources to fund his campaign promise--which, by the way, the President vowed Mexico would pay for. It is important to note that Congress works on a bipartisan basis to provide funding to secure the southern border. According to the Constitution, it is Congress and not the President who holds the power of the purse. Just 6 months ago, in a strong bipartisan vote, a majority of this body--59 Senators--successfully passed the resolution disapproving of the President's emergency declaration. Unfortunately, President Trump chose to veto that legislation, which is why we have brought it to the floor again for a vote. It is imperative that this legislative body--this Senate--defend its authority as derived from the Constitution and protect funding that is vital to our troops and to our national security. I think it is difficult to overstate the critical role military construction projects play in maintaining military readiness and supporting our national defense.…”