Contact: Amanda Lang
Director of Marketing and Communications
917.886.0336 cell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Emergency for Wall a National Disgrace

February 19, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today commented on the budget deal to keep the government open and the president’s intent to declare a national emergency to secure funding for his immoral border wall. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is relieved lawmakers reached a deal to keep the government open, allowing government workers and contract workers to receive their paychecks, those most vulnerable to obtain critical lifesaving assistance, and for all aspects of government programs and services to continue to run uninterrupted. Though the bill would not reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, it does provide full-year funding for its programs at $497.5 million. Unfortunately, Congress declined to further extend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding and pay for workers in companies with federal contracts who did not work or receive pay during the 35-day government shutdown initiated by Trump. The spending package also includes more than a billion dollars for fencing and increased funding for detention beds and immigration enforcement.

“But, the president’s circumventing of Congress — for the second time this month — to get his way is disgraceful. Pulling funds for an unnecessary border wall earmarked for other efforts is shortsighted, misguided, and potentially illegal. The wall is not a serious border security measure. President Trump’s own chief of staff previously called the wall “absurd and almost childish.” While Trump talks about a “humanitarian crisis,” the real crisis is the fact that children are dying in Border Patrol custody due to inadequate facilities and a lack of appropriate medical care. NCJW opposes this declaration of a fake emergency to fund an unnecessary and immoral wall.

“Instead, the president should be prioritizing protecting important services from harmful federal budget cuts and utilizing the capacity of the federal government to spur economic growth and progress for the benefit of all.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.