"President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to circumvent Congress and begin building an extended barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border has energized Democrats around the country. House Democrats have promised to bring Trump administration officials before Congress to explain what they see as a rogue decision. Already a coalition of 16 states led by mostly Democratic governors have challenged Trump in court.

Count animal lovers among the opponents, too.

Three environmental groups were among the organizations to sue the Trump administration almost immediately after the border wall declaration on Friday.

Like other legal challenges in response to Trump’s announcement, the lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Legal Defense Fund challenges his maneuver around Congress on constitutional grounds. The suit argues the president is overstepping his authority by trying to spend money not appropriated by legislators for border wall construction."

Dino Grandoni reports for the Washington Post February 19, 2019. [2]