Republicans who spent the Obama administration warning about the expansion of executive power on Thursday made fools of themselves by overwhelmingly backing President Trump’s emergency declaration in the name of building a border wall. In the process, they did long-term damage to the conservative cause.

To be sure, the Senate voted 59-41 to disapprove of Trump’s declaration, and 12 Republicans took a principled stand. That Trump’s action was given the thumbs down by majorities in both chambers of Congress could bolster court cases challenging Trump’s executive action.