Connecticut joins multistate suit to challenge national emergency declaration

Connecticut joined a multistate lawsuit challenging President Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund a border wall.

News 12 Staff

Feb 20, 2019, 12:07 AM

Updated 1,886 days ago

Share:

Connecticut joins multistate suit to challenge national emergency declaration
Connecticut's state attorney general announced a decision to join a multistate lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund a border wall.
The lawsuit was expected after the president announced Friday he would declare a national emergency and use money from other sources to build the wall.
The suit argues that Congress alone has the authority to allocate tax dollars. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says what the president is trying to do is unconstitutional and unlawful.
"This state and the people that live in it feel like we are under tremendous pressure from this president and that our civil rights are being impacted," says Tong.
President Trump says he has the "absolute right" to declare a national emergency.

Tong says some of the money targeted by the president had been earmarked for Connecticut, including Air National Guard projects at Bradley Airport.

"We feel very strongly that we are going to prevail and we ask the court for an injunction in declaratory judgement stopping this president from blowing past Congress and shredding our constitution," says Tong.
News 12 spoke with J.R. Romano, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, about the lawsuit.
Romano released a statement saying, "I question if this is a wise use of tax dollars considering the billions Connecticut is in debt. Attorney General Tong's unwillingness to comment on cost to taxpayers should be a warning sign that this is political posturing not leadership."
Tong is picking up where former Attorney General George Jepsen left off in taking the Trump administration to court. Connecticut is currently a co-plaintiff in several suits fighting other controversial policies involving immigration and the environment.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road