Pence’s Pitch To Wavering GOP Senators On Border Emergency Falls Flat

xx gives his speech during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 16, 2019 in Munich, Germany. The annual conference, which brings together political and defense leaders from across the globe, is taking place under heightened tensions between the USA, together with its western allies, and Russia. The MSC is the worldwide leading forum for debating international security policy.
MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 16: US vice president Michael Pence gives a speech during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 16, 2019 in Munich, Germany. The annual conference, which brings together po... MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 16: US vice president Michael Pence gives a speech during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 16, 2019 in Munich, Germany. The annual conference, which brings together political and defense leaders from across the globe, is taking place under heightened tensions between the USA, together with its western allies, and Russia. The MSC is the worldwide leading forum for debating international security policy. (Photo by Alexandra Beier/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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As many as 10 Senate Republicans are considering supporting a resolution that passed the House on Tuesday evening and would terminate President Trump’s border emergency declaration, and efforts by Vice President Mike Pence to sway the hesitant few fell flat on Tuesday evening, Politico reported.

According to GOP sources inside the meeting between Pence and lawmakers who spoke to Politico, Pence was met with resistance from several passionate Republicans who expressed concern about the precedent the move sets. Pence attempted to sell the emergency declaration as an action different from the executive orders that former President Barack Obama enacted on immigration, but not everyone bought it.

“I didn’t think his argument was very good. ‘We’ve got a crisis, that means the President can do this.’ That’s essentially the argument,”one Republican who is undecided on the resolution told Politico.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was reportedly particularly vocal about his objection to Trump’s emergency declaration, telling Pence he was concerned Republicans would be “ceding the high ground” if they follow through with it, in Politico’s words. Pence reportedly reiterated his belief that the move was different than DACA.

Read the full Politico report here.

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