What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to Donald Trump’s plan to issue a national emergency

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Donald Trump
[Photo Credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File]

President Donald Trump on Friday intends to sign a border security compromise that provides $1.4 billion for his proposed border wall with Mexico — far below the $5.7 billion he requested — in order to avert a second government shutdown. But the president isn’t accepting defeat. Thursday night, White House confirmed in signing the compromise, Trump will also announce plans to bypass lawmakers and declare a national emergency in order to gain access to the necessary additional funds to build the border wall.

Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about the news:

Bradley Byrne Official fraud1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:

I wish it hadn’t come to this point, but the Democrats have left President Trump with no choice. There is a true crisis at the southern border, and I support President Trump 100% in this decision because border security is national security.

Robert Aderholt Official4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt:

According to my understanding of the law, President Trump has every legal authority to declare a national emergency for the purpose of securing our southern border. In fact, the National Emergencies Act specifically gives the President the ability to initiate military construction for the purposes of defending the nation.  This border wall will ultimately make our nation stronger and more secure.

Terri Sewell Official7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:

The President is pounding his fists after failing to secure billions of dollars for a wasteful, ineffective brick-and-mortar wall that the vast majority of Americans do not support. His actions are a clear abuse of power and set a dangerous precedent. Instead, the President should be focused on addressing some of the real emergencies facing our country – gun violence, the opioid crisis, crumbling infrastructure and poverty.