Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after voting to oppose the termination of President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration:

“The constitutional authority of providing appropriations to our nation’s vital programs and various agencies and departments is one of the most important roles Congress is granted. Since the first appropriations bill in 1789, Congress has executed its duties and provided funding for our nation’s national defense as well as our agricultural producers. Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats are refusing to address the national security and humanitarian crisis at the Southern border.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have voted time and time again to secure our nation’s borders and improve security at our ports of entry. While I am cautious of the use of national emergencies which reprograms appropriated funds, I am committed to addressing the ongoing crisis at our Southern border.

While the debate regarding our nation’s border security is ongoing, I am committed to working with my colleagues on building an immigration system that ends illegal immigration and protects our country.”

On February 15, 2019, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Southern Border of the United States. President Donald Trump issued this declaration under the authority of the National Emergencies Act.