It only sounds like a matter that concerns immigration, waiving requirements of the 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act to put part of the border wall next to the small Texas town of Presidio, but just think, if the Federal government can wave the requirements of one act, what else can it waive in the interests of “national security”?
After Presidio and the Mexican town of Ojinago had suffered catastrophic flooding in 2008, the Army Corps of Engineers built the Presidio Flood Control Project, which is under the control of the International Boundary and Water Commission. Afraid of flash flooding from the Rio Grande, the town sued DHS to stop the wall which would seriously affect the flood control project.
But when DHS waived certain laws a Federal judge okayed the construction, which will destroy certain levee protections. How can the President waive a law passed by Congress? What happened to the three branches of government we’re supposed to have? To international agreements? So when the next flood comes, perhaps the people of Presidio will remember how they voted in 2024.
Prayer for the Day
We have a habit of looking backward, at what has been, O God,
Causing us to miss your vital presence in our lives today;
Trapped by our memories of the past, we fear a changing world,
And deny your grace that can empower us for the future.
Help us to walk into the future trusting in the promise of your reign,
As did the One who always trusted in you,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
The government is now acknowledging in court that it does not intend to comply with the Army Corps process and that interagency review remains unfinished. That is exactly why this case matters: no construction affecting Presidio’s levee or floodplain should be allowed before the legally required safety assessment is conducted.
John Kennedy, Presidio Municipal Development Project
When faced with our lawsuit raising the government’s non-compliance with the Rivers and Harbors Act and related safety concerns, of course DHS’s response was to rush to waive the legal requirements of that law too.
Skye Perryman, Democracy Forward Foundation
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a oor people.
A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
But one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.
Proverbs 28: 15-16