ARTICLE ONE Act Assuring that Robust, Thorough, and Informed Congressional Leadership is Exercised Over National Emergencies Act
Impact
If enacted, HB 3988 would significantly alter how national emergencies are declared and renewed. It mandates that declarations last only 30 days unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval to extend them. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for regular updates from the President on the status and rationale for ongoing emergencies, alongside estimated government expenditures related to these situations. This could result in a more structured approach to national emergencies and ensure that Congress plays a vital role in evaluating ongoing crises.
Summary
House Bill 3988, known as the 'ARTICLE ONE Act,' aims to reform the process by which national emergencies are declared and managed. This bill requires that any proclamation of a national emergency must be approved by Congress, ensuring that legislative oversight is exercised over such declarations. The move is intended to enhance transparency and accountability when the executive branch invokes extraordinary powers during national emergencies. In short, the bill seeks to rebalance the power dynamics between the legislature and the executive with respect to emergency powers.
Sentiment
Overall, sentiment around HB 3988 appears to be mixed. Supporters advocate for greater congressional oversight as a necessary check on presidential power, arguing that it is vital for maintaining democratic principles in governance. Conversely, opponents express concern that additional legislative requirements could hinder timely responses to genuine emergencies and allow for political maneuvering that could delay urgent action. The discussion reveals a fundamental tension between the need for prompt governmental action in crises and the importance of robust legislative oversight.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the process by which Congress would approve or deny emergency declarations and the potential for impinging on the executive branch's ability to act swiftly during urgent situations. Critics worry that requiring congressional approval could create a politically charged environment that undermines effective management of emergencies. Additionally, there could be concerns about the boundaries of what constitutes a national emergency and how Congress would navigate its own internal processes to respond to such declarations.
Related
National Security Reforms and Accountability Act National Emergencies Reform Act Arms Export Control Reform Act War Powers Resolution Modernization and Accountability Act
US SB4373
Related
REPUBLIC Act Reforming Emergency Powers to Uphold the Balances and Limitations Inherent in the Constitution Act
National Security Reforms and Accountability Act National Emergencies Reform Act Arms Export Control Reform Act War Powers Resolution Modernization and Accountability Act
All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2023 or the ALERT Act of 2023 This bill establishes various reporting requirements with respect to federal agency rulemaking. Specifically, each agency must submit a monthly report to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for each rule the agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year, including information about the objectives and legal basis for the rule as well as whether the rule is subject to periodic review based on its significant economic impact. Additionally, each agency must submit a monthly report for any rule expected to be finalized during the following year for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, including an approximate schedule for completing action on the rule and an estimate of its cost and economic effects. OIRA must publish this information online and, subject to certain exceptions, a rule may not take effect until the information has been published for at least six months. The bill also requires OIRA to annually publish in the Federal Register specified information it receives from agencies under this bill, including a list of each rule an agency has proposed and the total cost of all rules proposed or finalized. OIRA must further publish online (1) any analysis of the costs or benefits of rules that were proposed or finalized during the previous year, and (2) a list of rules that were subjected to various forms of review during the previous year.