Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nancy PelosiTrump's Intel moves spark Democratic fury Buttigieg sounds alarm after Sanders wins Nevada Russian interference reports rock Capitol Hill MORE (D-Calif.) announced Thursday that the House will file a lawsuit to block President Trump
Donald John TrumpSchiff blasts Trump for making 'false claims' about Russia intel: 'You've betrayed America. Again.' Poll: Sanders leads 2020 Democratic field with 28 percent, followed by Warren and Biden More than 6 in 10 expect Trump to be reelected: poll MORE's national emergency declaration to build a wall along the southern border.
Nancy PelosiTrump's Intel moves spark Democratic fury Buttigieg sounds alarm after Sanders wins Nevada Russian interference reports rock Capitol Hill MORE (D-Calif.) announced Thursday that the House will file a lawsuit to block President TrumpDonald John TrumpSchiff blasts Trump for making 'false claims' about Russia intel: 'You've betrayed America. Again.' Poll: Sanders leads 2020 Democratic field with 28 percent, followed by Warren and Biden More than 6 in 10 expect Trump to be reelected: poll MORE's national emergency declaration to build a wall along the southern border.The move marks the latest effort by House Democrats to push back against Trump's use of federal money to construct a wall after lawmakers denied him those funds.
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"The President's action clearly violates the Appropriations Clause by stealing from appropriated funds, an action that was not authorized by constitutional or statutory authority," Pelosi said in a statement. "Congress, as Article I – the first branch, co-equal to the other branches – must reassert its exclusive responsibilities reserved by the text of the Constitution and protect our system of checks and balances."
Congress passed a resolution to terminate Trump's emergency declaration, but the House last week failed to meet the necessary two-thirds threshold to override the president's veto, the first of his presidency. Fourteen Republicans, mostly centrists, voted with Democrats in the veto override attempt.
Democrats are now turning to the judicial system.
"The House will once again defend our Democracy and our Constitution, this time in the courts," Pelosi said. "No one is above the law or the Constitution, not even the President."
The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group — an entity compromised of congressional leadership that oversees the House general counsel's office — voted Thursday to authorize the lawsuit on behalf of House Democrats.
Multiple lawsuits have already been filed to stop Trump's emergency declaration, including one led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra
Xavier BecerraOvernight Energy: EPA moves to limit financial pressure on 'forever chemical' manufacturers | California sues Trump over water order| Buttigieg expands on climate plan California delivers swift suit after Trump orders water diversion States sue Trump administration at record pace MORE (D) on behalf of 16 states.
Xavier BecerraOvernight Energy: EPA moves to limit financial pressure on 'forever chemical' manufacturers | California sues Trump over water order| Buttigieg expands on climate plan California delivers swift suit after Trump orders water diversion States sue Trump administration at record pace MORE (D) on behalf of 16 states. Pelosi and Rep. Joaquin Castro
Joaquin CastroJulián Castro endorses Rep. Cuellar's primary opponent in Texas Harris, Castro introduce resolution condemning Trump aide Stephen Miller As Mexico abuses migrants under Trump's orders, where is Congress? MORE (D-Texas), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairman, said last week that they may force additional votes to block the emergency declaration, as is allowed every six months under the National Emergencies Act.
Joaquin CastroJulián Castro endorses Rep. Cuellar's primary opponent in Texas Harris, Castro introduce resolution condemning Trump aide Stephen Miller As Mexico abuses migrants under Trump's orders, where is Congress? MORE (D-Texas), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairman, said last week that they may force additional votes to block the emergency declaration, as is allowed every six months under the National Emergencies Act."In six months, the Congress will have another opportunity to put a stop to this President’s wrongdoing. We will continue to review all options to protect our Constitution and our Democracy from the President’s assault," Pelosi and Castro said in a joint statement after the House failed to override Trump's veto.
