National Emergency

National Emergency

Yesterday, President Trump announced he would declare a national emergency in regards to the ongoing crisis at our Southern border.Therefore, the President will reallocate previously appropriated funds within the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security for border barrier construction.

On Thursday, both the House and Senate passed a funding bill to cover the remainder of 2019, a bill that I did not support. Despite the shutdown in December and January, Democrats lowered the funding they were willing to accept for border security from 2.4 billion in December to 1.375 billion in February. Additionally, the bill did nothing to make technical corrections to the Border Patrol’s catch and release policy, and contained no disaster relief funding for states affected by natural disasters. In a time of crisis, Democrats were once again willing to play a game of chicken with the future of the nation on the line. President Trump has signed the bill, but he also declared an emergency to fill the funding gap left by it.

While I have and will always adamantly support Congressional leadership on all matters of policy, the President’s utmost responsibility is to keep the United States of America safe. We all know that a wall is needed on our Southern border, and the President has repeatedly stated that he will use every legal and procedural tool at his disposal to see that it is constructed. It is unfortunate that President Trump has been forced to resort to declaring a national emergency, but Congress has granted the President that authority through law. Rather than working with President Trump and Congressional Republicans, Democrats chose to allow the Executive branch to secure the border on its own.

FAQ (What folks have been calling/texting my office about this week)

Q: How did you vote on the national emergency?

A: The ability to declare a national emergency is a power that the executive branch holds. Therefore Congress doesn't vote to approve national emergency declarations.

You can text me legislative concerns or questions at 870-292-6747

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Border wall compromise splits state delegation 3-3

U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro suggested Democratic intransigence may result in an emergency declaration.

"It's unfortunate that it's come to this. But if Democrats in Congress are unwilling to help provide the necessary tools for the President to secure our borders and keep our nation safe, then he's left with very few options," he said in a written statement.

KASU
Representative Crawford Talks Flooding, Looming Government Shutdown

In this monthly congressional interview, Republican U.S. Representative Rick Crawford talks about the flood threat that constant rains pose to areas like Lake City and Pocahontas and what can be done, and he also talks about the looming governemnt shutdown. Click the Listen button to hear the entire interview.

KAIT 8 - Jobs are up in Jonesboro

Baxter Bulletin - Meet the Mountain Home native who killed a mountain lion in self-defense

TB&P - Information sharing links law enforcement throughout NEA

H.R. 1065 - Social Media Use in Clearance Investigations Act of 2019 - Yea

H.R. 1079 - CASES Act - Yea

H.R. 995 - Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2019 - Yea

OFFICE LOCATIONS

WASHINGTON, DC
2422 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4076

CABOT, AR
112 S. 1st
Cabot, AR 72023
Phone: (501) 843-3043
Fax: (501) 843-4955

DUMAS, AR
101 E. Waterman St.
Dumas, AR 71639
Phone: (870) 377-5571

JONESBORO, AR 2400 Highland Dr Suite 300 Jonesboro, AR 72401 Phone: (870) 203-0540 Fax: (870) 203-0542	MOUNTAIN HOME, AR 1001 Highway 62 E Suite 9 Mountain Home, AR 72653 Phone: (870) 424-2075 Fax: (870) 424-3149
In order to improve constituent services provided through all my district offices, it is recommended you first call the appropriate district office to make an appointment.