Walden joins senators in criticism of Trump emergency declaration

Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., said Friday he has “serious concerns” about President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to secure more border wall funding, joining Oregon’s Democratic senators in criticizing the move.

“The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse,” Walden said in a series of tweets. “Just as I opposed President Obama’s spending of taxpayer dollars without congressional authorization, today’s action by President Trump raises serious concerns about the Constitution’s separation of powers.”

“Congress has granted the executve branch certain spending authorities,” he continued. “I strongly object to any president acting outside of those explicit authorities to spend money that Congress has not appropriated for specific initiatives.”

“While I consistently support efforts to strengthen border security — and voted just yesterday for additional physical barriers on our southern border that President Trump requested — I am deeply concerned about the precedent that this action sets,” the congressman added.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said in his own tweets, “This ‘national emergency’ is a fraud and should be thrown out in court immediately. @realDonaldTrump, take a look at the Constitution someday. You might learn something.”

“Looking forward to voting for a resolution nullifying this fake emergency declaration,” Merkley continued. “Defending the Constitution and the role of Congress in deciding how taxpayer dollars are spent shouldn’t be partisan. Hope my #GOP colleagues will rise to the occasion.”

“Law only allows the use of a #NationalEmergency in two scenarios:
1. Declaration of war
2. Emergency requiring the use of armed forces

“Not because you failed at negotiating & Mexico won’t pay for your racist wall.

“The American people will see you in court, @realDonaldTrump,” the senator said.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., voiced a similar view in a tweet sent Thursday: “The only national emergency here is the damage Trump’s fragile ego is doing to the country.”