National Security Reforms and Accountability Act National Emergencies Reform Act Arms Export Control Reform Act War Powers Resolution Modernization and Accountability Act
Impact
The legislation proposes significant reforms to existing laws, particularly the War Powers Resolution and the Arms Export Control Act. One of the notable changes includes requiring congressional approval for defense articles and services sales exceeding specified monetary thresholds, thereby increasing accountability and transparency regarding military aid and arms sales. Additionally, the bill stipulates that defense articles should not be sold to countries found to be committing genocide or violations of international humanitarian law, which may alter U.S. foreign policy practices and collaborations with certain nations.
Summary
House Bill 4928, titled the National Security Reforms and Accountability Act, seeks to clarify and limit the exercise of national security powers by the federal government. The bill emphasizes the necessity for specific statutory authorization before the President can engage U.S. forces in hostilities and mandates that Congress be consulted on any national emergency declarations. This approach aims to enhance legislative oversight over executive actions related to national security and military engagements, reflecting growing concerns about unilateral executive decisions in matters of war and peace.
Contention
Despite its intentions, HB4928 has garnered mixed reactions among lawmakers. Supporters argue that the bill restores necessary checks and balances by ensuring legislative consent for military actions and arms exports, fostering a more democratic process in national security policymaking. Conversely, critics express concern that the bill could hinder timely responses to emerging threats, arguing that it might tie the hands of military leaders and the executive branch in urgent situations. Thus, the bill has sparked a debate over the balance of power between Congress and the presidency in matters of national security and military authority.
Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking. Specifically, the bill establishes a congressional approval process for a major rule. A major rule may only take effect if Congress approves of the rule. A major rule is a rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The bill generally preserves the current congressional review process for a nonmajor rule.
Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2023 This bill establishes a temporary commission within the legislative branch to provide Congress with recommendations and proposed legislation to ensure the solvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (commonly referred to as the Social Security trust funds) for at least 75 years. The bill also sets out expedited procedures for the consideration of legislation proposed by the commission. The commission terminates within 60 days of providing its recommendations and proposed legislation.