House votes to block wall “emergency”

U.S. CAPITOL building, the seat of Congress, in Washington, D.C. (Wikipedia photo).

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation to block President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to fund his proposed wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

With the 245-182 vote, Democrats rebuffed the presidents’ plan to raise over $6 billion for the barrier by taking money from already-authorized military construction and other federal accounts.  Thirteen Republicans joined with all House Democrats in favor of the bill.

The next step will be a Senate vote, which must occur within 18 days.

The Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, but three members of the GOP have announced their intent to support the bill. If one more Republican senator shifts, that would be a majority in favor and passage. However, President Trump could veto the bill, and a two-thirds majority – considered difficult, if not unlikely – is needed to override that veto.