HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC) - Connecticut has joined California and 13 other states in a lawsuit to block President Trump's National Emergency Declaration.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong filed the suit Monday, which challenges President Trump's declaration of a national emergency and his attempt to divert funding appropriated by Congress. In the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the coalition alleges the Administration's emergency declaration and diversion of funds is unconstitutional.
The 16 states seek to block the declaration, the construction of the border wall and any diversion of Congressionally-appropriated funds, which the lawsuit says is illegal.
In a press release Monday, Attorney General William Tong outlined the reason for Connectict filing for a lawsuit.
"The President has left us no choice but to take legal action to protect the people of Connecticut and the rule of law. Today, Connecticut joined California and 14 other states in seeking a nationwide injunction to prevent the President from using the ruse of a national emergency to launch an end-run around the legislative process. He did not have to do this — he said that himself right before leaving for a weekend of golf. There is no national emergency. What we have is a President hell-bent on fulfilling a campaign promise motivated by racism and hate, and willing to trample on our Constitution to achieve that. After carefully reviewing all available information from the White House and analyzing all potential impacts to Connecticut federal appropriations, it is clear to me that specific funding — including potentially for critical Air National Guard projects at Bradley - is at risk. Today's action brings me no joy, but it is necessary to protect Connecticut and our Constitution," said Attorney General Tong.
The states allege the action of declaring a national emergency exceeds the power of the executive office, violates the Constitution/federal statues and would illegally and unconstitutionally divert federal funds appropriated by Congress for other purposes.
Furthermore, the lawsuit outlines the argument against the validity of a national emergency stating unlawful southern border entries are at their lowest point in 20 years, immigrants are less likely than native-born citizens to commit crimes and illegal drugs are more likely to come through offical ports of entry.
The lawsuit is led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Joining California and Connecticut are the attorney generals of Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Virginia.
