President Trump issued the first veto of his presidency Friday afternoon against a resolution passed by the House and Senate to end the national emergency declaration on border security. Twelve Senate Republicans sided with Democrats on the issue.
“Today I am vetoing this resolution. Congress has the freedom to pass this resolution and I have the duty to veto it," Trump said from the Oval Office.
“People hate the word invasion, but that’s what it is," Trump continued, calling the resolution "dangerous" and "reckless."
"Today I am vetoing this resolution," Pres. Trump says.
— ABC News (@ABC) March 15, 2019
"Congress has the freedom to pass this resolution, and I have the duty to veto it. And I'm very proud to veto it." https://t.co/YQeh6W8XgX pic.twitter.com/Cz5trls313
Pres Trump signs veto statement and gives pen to an "angel mom." Pres says "we're building a lot of wall right now." (TV Pool photo by @TerryMoran) pic.twitter.com/sd9F35If7G
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) March 15, 2019
The President was flanked by DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General William Barr and number of other law enforcement officials. Angel Moms, mothers of children killed by illegal aliens, were also in attendance.
"The fact that this is an emergency is undeniable,” Nielsen said.
Barr also made remarks and said President Trump's emergency declaration on the issue is "firmly grounded" in the law.
Earlier today, President Trump thanked Republicans who voted against the measure.
I’d like to thank all of the Great Republican Senators who bravely voted for Strong Border Security and the WALL. This will help stop Crime, Human Trafficking, and Drugs entering our Country. Watch, when you get back to your State, they will LOVE you more than ever before!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will hold a vote to override President Trump's veto in two weeks. The White House is confident she doesn't have the votes to do so.
Pelosi: On March 26, the House will once again act to protect our Constitution and our democracy from the President’s emergency declaration by holding a vote to override his veto.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 15, 2019
Only 111 successful veto overrides in US history
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 14, 2019
This story has been updated with additional information.
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