The strength to do what's right

Today the Senate voted to block Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border, on the grounds that:

• There isn't a national emergency at the border, other than the humanitarian crisis this administration created and has yet to fix;

• Donald Trump would use his newfound 'emergency power' to siphon billions of dollars from crucial projects nationwide;

• The Constitution is very clear that Congress, not the president, should determine how taxpayer dollars are spent – even (or especially) when the president doesn't like it;

• It would set a dangerous precedent, in which presidents can subvert the will of the American people by force of tantrum.

The whole point of American democracy, is to ensure the will of the people, not the will of petty would-be autocrats. That's why we have popular elections, a strong constitution, and a robust system of checks and balances.

Unfortunately, that's also why Donald Trump constantly attacks our system of checks and balances – he's determined to turn the federal government into a multibillion-dollar machine to enforce his impulses.

Today, I was proud to see so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stand against partisanship and for our shared values.

If the president chooses to veto our resolution and once again reject the voice of the people (as he most certainly will), I hope Congress will have the courage and strength to do what's right.

Ron