Bill · H.R. 125· House(119-HR-125)
Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/4/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025 aims to amend the National Emergencies Act. Under this bill, a national emergency declared by the President would terminate after 30 days unless a joint resolution is enacted into law to affirm it. It also establishes specific protocols for how emergencies are terminated through congressional action or presidential proclamation. The act includes provisions for returning unobligated funds and terminating specific construction contracts once an emergency ends. Furthermore, it sets a two-year expiration period for affirmed emergencies.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill increases congressional oversight by requiring a joint resolution to affirm a national emergency within 30 days.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+3
The bill requires that unobligated funds transferred for an emergency be returned to their original purpose upon termination of the emergency.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
The bill reduces the duration and unilateral authority of the President to maintain a national emergency without congressional affirmation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial Accountability: Under Section 2(a)(1)(2)(B)(A), any amounts that were moved or transferred for an emergency that are not yet obligated must be returned to their original intended purpose. This ensures funds are used as originally appropriated.
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Contractual Clarity: According to Section 2(a)(1)(2)(B)(B), any construction contracts related to an emergency are terminated if construction has not yet started, preventing long-term obligations after an emergency ends.
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Limiting Executive Authority: Section 2(a)(1)(a) requires that a national emergency must be affirmed by a joint resolution within 30 days, or it terminates automatically. This requires congressional approval to keep an emergency active.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Disruption of Emergency Projects: As stated in Section 2(a)(1)(2)(B)(B), any construction contracts for the emergency will be terminated if construction hasn't already begun, which could halt ongoing or planned relief efforts.
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Impact on Existing Emergencies: Section 2(b) notes that national emergencies declared before this Act is passed will be affected, as they will now terminate two years after the date this Act is enacted unless they are renewed.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power-5
- 1/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House