Utah reps weigh in on vote to rescind emergency declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When President Trump made a declaration of a national emergency for border security, many of Utah’s congressmen expressed concern it would set a precedent for future presidents to wield that power. But the resolution to block the declaration seems to be a different matter.

Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, told CNN Tuesday morning that he won’t vote for the House resolution.

“This language today specifically says, the emergency on the border is over, and that’s clearly not true,” said Stewart.

“I’m really disappointed that what we are voting on doesn’t get to the heart of the problem,” Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, told Utah’s Morning News on KSL Newsradio. He said the resolution does nothing to end future executive overreach, and he’d rather work on something else that “reigns this in.”

“If the Democrats would be willing to work with us on something more broad, and something that would apply to future situations, I think they would have had a more bi-partisan response to this,” said Stewart.

Utah’s only democrat in congress, Rep. Ben McAdams, indicated he will vote for the resolution, and says the president’s action sets a dangerous precedent.

I support the resolution to block the President from spending almost $8 billion w/out approval from Congress. Our Constitution separates powers to ensure a democratic process. The President’s action sets a dangerous precedent & harms our constitutional checks and balances. #utpol https://t.co/DX36kLKtLr

— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) February 22, 2019

If and when it moves to the Senate, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, has said he does not support the declaration. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said it’s probably legal but has not said how he’ll vote.

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