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President unlawfully declares national emergy

Announcement threatens funding for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Washington, February 15, 2019
“As a member of the House, I will support legislation and use my seat on the Appropriations Committee to stop President Trump from inappropriately raiding defense funds for a manufactured national emergency. Since he reportedly plans to take money from existing military construction projects, this could steal millions in approved and necessary funding away from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard."
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released this statement on President Trump declaring an unlawful national emergency:

“As a member of the House, I will support legislation and use my seat on the Appropriations Committee to stop President Trump from inappropriately raiding defense funds for a manufactured national emergency. Since he reportedly plans to take money from existing military construction projects, this could steal millions in approved and necessary funding away from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 
 
"His national emergency declaration is an authoritarian power grab which undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent. I hope every Member of Congress, regardless of party, will stand up to this trampling of Congressional prerogatives and to keep the coequal branches of government in balance.”
 
Pingree serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Related Agencies. The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes construction on military facilities worldwide, housing for military families, veteran health care, and VA operations. 
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