Vice President Mike Pence met with Senate Republicans on Tuesday and "faced a wall of resistance" over President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund the border wall they had promised would be paid for by Mexico, Politico reports.
Citing multiple Republican sources, Politico reported that, "The pointed reception at the GOP lunch raised further doubts among Senate Republicans that the administration will be able to hold down defections on a crucial vote to block the president in the coming weeks."
"There was a lot of passion from some of our members. And I think there is some skepticism," one GOP senator revealed. "People are just genuinely concerned that we’re doing the right thing."
“I didn’t think his argument was very good," a second GOP senator concluded.
"Our guys just really want to know more about where the administration is coming from," said Sen. John Thune (R-SD). "They're expressing their concern. And that's good."
Opposition to the emergency declaration is centered primarily around Constitutional concerns.
“I haven’t looked at the bill yet, but I am against emergency powers," said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).
"I am very worried prudentially about the slippery slope that could occur, emboldening future Democratic presidents to implement radical policies contrary to law and contrary to the constitution," argued Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Read the full report.