Opponents of Trump's national emergency close in on enough votes in Senate

[DonViejo]

MARCH 1, 2019 / 8:07 AM / AP

WASHINGTON — Senate opponents of President Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the Mexican border have moved very close to having enough votes to prevail, and one Republican suggested the president risks a rebuff by the GOP-led chamber if he doesn't change course.

Mr. Trump's move would "turn a border crisis into a constitutional crisis," veteran Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander said on the Senate floor Thursday. But he stopped just short of saying he'd support a resolution blocking the president's move. Had Alexander pledged his vote, it would probably be enough for the Senate to pass a measure repealing the emergency declaration.

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Republicans say a Senate vote is likely in two weeks, but exactly what the Senate will vote on remains unclear.

Several Republicans said that behind closed doors, they were considering several options for alternative language. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, was among those suggesting provisions making it harder for future presidents to divert federal dollars to projects of their choosing by declaring emergencies.

"I wouldn't be surprised if some changes are made," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

While the wall elicits wide public opposition, Mr. Trump remains wildly popular with hard-right voters and GOP lawmakers cross him at their peril. Mr. Trump warned Republicans anew against challenging him.

"I really think that Republicans that vote against border security and the wall, I think you know, I've been OK at predicting things, I think they put themselves at great jeopardy," the president said in an interview with Fox News Channel's "Hannity."

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