The federal government is open for business for the foreseeable future after weak-kneed Republicans partnered with Democrats to ram a deal through that severely underfunded border security efforts and, in fact, placed roadblocks in the way of future security.
Now they’re speaking out about the problems with the proposal.
On Thursday, Senate Republicans and Democrats advanced legislation that many conservatives in Congress voted against, in order to avoid a government shutdown.The agreement provides only $1.375 billion in wall funding, provides deportation defense to human traffickers, and will give federal employees a pay raise.
The “deal” passed the U.S. Senate, 83-16. A majority of both parties voted for the legislation.
It passed the U.S. House of Representatives, 300-126. A majority of Republicans voted against the legislation.
Here are the Texas Republicans who voted against the Democrat deal:
Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Congressmen Jody Arrington, Brian Babin, Kevin Brady, Michael Burgess, Michael Cloud, Dan Crenshaw, Louie Gohmert, Lance Gooden, Kenny Marchant, John Ratcliffe, Chip Roy, Van Taylor, Randy Weber, Roger Williams, Ron Wright.
A number of them took to Twitter to explain their disappointment and reasoning for voting against the proposal.
I will be voting NO on this disastrous 1169 page bill. It increases spending, fails to secure the border, empowers cartels to traffick children to “sponsors” in the US receiving amnesty, punts congressional duty to the Presidency, & may well undermine any emergency declaration.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) February 15, 2019
I voted against H.J. Res. 31 because I could not in good conscience support legislation that fails to fulfill Congress’ constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense by ensuring the security of our territorial borders.
— John Ratcliffe (@RepRatcliffe) February 15, 2019
This deal doesn't come close to meeting our needs at the border. I'll be voting against it. See my statement below: pic.twitter.com/eEwcWXQO6S
— Lance Gooden (@RepLanceGooden) February 14, 2019
While I'm pleased the govt will stay open & fed employees will be paid, I couldn't support this legislation. When Congress is presented w/ an adequate #bordersecurity proposal that meets the requirements laid out by @POTUS & border patrol agents, I will offer my strongest support
— Rep. Roger Williams (@RepRWilliams) February 15, 2019
And here are the Texas Republicans who voted with Nancy Pelosi for the proposal:
Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Congressmen John Carter, Mike Conaway, Bill Flores, Kay Granger, Will Hurd, Michael McCaul, Pete Olson, Mac Thornberry.
Perhaps knowing their constituents wouldn’t be very supportive of their decision, they were largely silent on the measure.
Democrats were also split on the proposal, but largely supported it with seven voting in support and five voting against. Freshman Democrat Collin Allred didn’t take a position on the proposal, voting “present, not voting.”
Though President Donald Trump has said he will sign the legislation, today he declared an emergency on the southern border in order to use his executive authority to obtain additional funding for the wall.
