Congressman Andy Harris’ Statement on H.J. Res. 46

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) made the following statement about H.J. Res. 46, an attempt to overturn President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency along the U.S. southern border:

“In the modern era, presidents have declared 58 national emergencies, including 31 that remain active today. President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency is not an unprecedented executive use of power and responds to our national drug crisis, human sex trafficking atrocities, and horrific gang violence - much of which stems from our unprotected southern border. Even today, Maryland has the second highest frequency of MS-13 gang activity in the nation -- only behind California – and we cannot stand for such gang violence.

The emergency declarations by previous administrations already establish that the president can reallocate unused funds from other programs. Of course, the president would not have to move funds or declare a national emergency if Congress provided adequate funding for comprehensive border security. In the face of a national security crisis along our southern border, I support the president in his declaration of a national emergency and the reallocation of funds from related programs, such as the drug forfeiture program and drug interdiction initiative.”