This bill requires the President to provide Congress with certain information at least 30 days before issuing an executive order related to abortion. Before issuing an abortion-related executive order, the President shall provide Congress with (1) the executive order text, (2) a list of the federal laws affected, (3) information about how the President is working within the parameters of federal law and the Constitution, (4) information about how the executive order will be accomplished, and (5) a list of all the individuals and entities that the President engaged with before issuing the order.
If passed, HB181 will directly impact the legislative process surrounding executive orders, specifically those concerned with abortion-related issues. Supporters argue that it will ensure Congress has a say in significant matters concerning reproductive rights and that executive actions affecting these rights are fully disclosed and justified. By changing the way executive orders related to abortion are communicated, the bill is anticipated to create a more checks-and-balances dynamic between the executive and legislative branches of government.
House Bill 181 aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the issuance of executive orders, particularly those related to abortion. The bill mandates that the President must notify Congress at least 30 days before issuing any qualifying executive order related to abortion. This notification requirement includes sharing the executive order text, details of federal laws affected by the order, and information about the execution process of the order. Additionally, there is a requirement to report on the outcomes of these executive orders six months following enactment, and annually thereafter.
One of the primary points of contention surrounding HB181 is its implications for executive privilege and the scope of presidential powers. Critics argue that requiring extensive notifications before issuing executive orders may hinder swift decision-making, particularly in urgent situations. Furthermore, this bill centers around contentious issues surrounding abortion, which already divide opinions along partisan lines. The nuances of how this legislation interacts with existing laws and the Hyde Amendment could also lead to further debate regarding reproductive rights and government control over them.