The suit was originally filed on February 18 by a total of 16 state attorneys general. Four more states, including Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, joined the suit Wednesday. It alleges that Trump’s February 15 declaration exceeds the power of the executive office, violates the U.S. Constitution and would — by allocating budgeted funds to pay for a border wall — illegally divert federal funds appropriated by Congress for other purposes.
“The president has manufactured a political crisis over the wall,” Donovan said, “and wants to divert funds already dedicated [by Congress] to serious public policy ends.”
Previously, Donovan had said he would join the suit only if he could identify ways that the national emergency declaration would specifically harm Vermont. He now says he has identified such injuries.
According to Donovan, Trump may reallocate money from military construction, asset forfeiture programs and counter-drug efforts. He said roughly $1 million that Vermont would expect to receive is now at risk.
Military construction, said Donovan, is not a factor in Vermont. But a share of money collected by the feds through asset forfeiture flows back to Vermont. The antidrug efforts, he said, “support state and local law enforcement efforts to fight drugs,” primarily heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.
The attorneys general seek to block the emergency declaration, the unauthorized construction of a border wall and any diversion of congressionally appropriated funds.
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Kudos Mr. Donovan for joining this effort. I work with criminal offenders who are being reintroduced into society due to criminal drug use and convictions through the Justice Centers Circle of Support and Accountability Program. (COSA). The opioid crisis is a real national emergency. Our little state reels from an influx of drugs from New York, Massachusetts and other neighbors. We need to avert this influx and offer support to those affected which has devastating impacts on families, schools and communities. Keep fighting for the well being of Vermonters!
Donovan is a joke. Where does he think the drugs come from… From MEXICO !!!! It’s being smuggled in from the border. Before he opens his mouth, get his butt down there talk to the border agents, be with them when they go after the criminals. watch how they scale the walls, walk over broken fences, see how they kill homeowners near the border… Think I’m kidding talk to a border agent about what they see and what happens. Matter of fact go down and live there. see how long you will last..
BUILD THE WALL !!!!
Mr Donovan…you are acting more and more like the idiot before you…I know in my family of 5 “legal registered” voters you have lost our vote…but wait…you have “illegal” votes now… This state has become nothing but a joke in advancing the cause of a few to benifit illegals…how about working to end homeless veterans….children in homeless shelters…