Shaheen Statement on President’s Veto of Bipartisan Resolution to Block “Emergency” Declaration

(Washington, DC) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed bipartisan legislation that would block the President’s “emergency” declaration. The legislation easily passed the House of Representatives before sailing through the Senate with the support of a dozen Republicans. 

“The President’s decision to veto this bipartisan resolution shows he is willing to trade our military readiness to score political points. That is shameful, particularly since he repeatedly promised Mexico would pay for his border wall,” said Shaheen. “I’ll continue to do everything I can to shield the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and New Hampshire National Guard from the President’s unconstitutional declaration. I appreciate those Republicans that have joined Democrats in defending the Constitution as well as the funding Congress has set aside for the military and strongly encourage other Republicans to finally join us in this effort.” 

Senator Shaheen spoke in favor of the resolution on the Senate floor on Thursday ahead of the vote in the Senate.  

Senator Shaheen recently led a New Hampshire Congressional Delegation letter to the President, urging him to reconsider this plan which could have an adverse impact on the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) and the New Hampshire National Guard (NHNG). Shaheen also introduced a bipartisan joint resolution  with Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to terminate the President’s national emergency declaration and uphold the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution, similar to the resolution that passed Congress.