February 14, 2019

Representative Levin Statement on a National Emergency Declaration and Legislation to Prevent Another Senseless Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) issued the following statement on President Trump’s national emergency declaration, and the bipartisan legislation to prevent another senseless government shutdown:

“I look forward to joining Democrats and Republicans in averting another senseless government shutdown. However, we cannot allow the president to get away with a national emergency declaration, which is a clear abuse of power and likely unconstitutional. I will support every effort to challenge his declaration in court.

“The bipartisan funding deal I support denies President Trump billions in border wall funding he demanded, and instead focuses on smarter, more effective border security, while also helping to achieve a more humane immigration system with enhanced medical support for migrant families. I am also heartened that it includes a pay raise for federal civilian workers; $17 billion in funding for new infrastructure investments; almost $4 billion to fight wildfires; and nearly $10 billion to protect our water, air and public lands.

“While this bipartisan deal is far from perfect, it provides more funding for Democratic priorities than previous offers, and it is a very reasonable compromise to avoid another shutdown.”

###