Montana’s U.S. Senators are on opposite sides of a resolution that would condemn President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency over border security. The House passed that resolution today.
Montana’s Republican Representative Greg Gianforte called it a, “show vote,” and said, “Our country faces a humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border.”
On a conference call with Montana reporters today, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said he would vote with the House majority seeking to overturn the president’s state of emergency declaration.
"It’s a attack on our Constitution, certainly an attack on the legislative branch," Tester said. I think it’s dangerous, not only from a constitutional standpoint, but from a precedent-setting standpoint. I think it’s very dangerous."
The Senate will have 18 days to vote on the House resolution. At least three Republican senators have said they will vote in opposition to the president. Should the resolution pass the Senate, that body would need 67 votes to override a presidential veto, meaning 20 Republicans would have to vote with the united Senate Democratic caucus.
A spokesperson for Republican Sen. Steve Daines said if the resolution reaches the Senate, he will, "Support President Trump."
