Bill · H.R. 3908· House(119-HR-3908)
National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/11/2025
- Last activity
- 6/12/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Cohen
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025 aims to amend the National Emergencies Act to improve checks and balances. It introduces stricter requirements for the declaration and renewal of national emergencies, including specific timelines for expiration. The bill mandates that the President specify which laws are being used to exercise emergency powers. It also establishes procedures for Congress to approve or terminate emergencies through joint resolutions. Additionally, the bill implements a five-year limit on any national emergency declaration. Finally, it increases reporting requirements regarding the use of funds and the status of emergencies.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill mandates increased reporting requirements and disclosure of emergency documents to Congress.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
The bill increases transparency and oversight regarding the expenditure of emergency funds.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-5
The bill reduces presidential authority by introducing more congressional oversight and stricter expiration terms.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability of the President: The President must now specify the exact provisions of law being used before exercising any emergency powers (Section 201(b)).
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Prevention of Permanent Emergencies: Any national emergency will automatically terminate after five years (Section 204(a)).
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Enhanced Congressional Oversight: The bill establishes specific procedures for the House and Senate to review, approve, or terminate emergencies through joint resolutions (Section 203).
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Greater Transparency on Spending: The President is required to report on proposed, planned, and actual expenditures related to national emergencies in the President's budget (Section 3).
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Regular Status Updates: The President must report to Congress every three months on the status of an active emergency and the actions taken (Section 201(b)(f)).
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Protection of Appropriated Funds: If an emergency is terminated, any amounts that were transferred or repurposed must be returned for their original intended purpose (Section 202(c)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Emergency Response: If a joint resolution of approval is not enacted, the President may be prohibited from exercising specific powers or declaring subsequent emergencies under substantially the same circumstances (Section 201(c)).
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Automatic Termination of Emergencies: National emergencies will automatically expire after five years, which could impact ongoing responses (Section 204(a)).
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Impact on Existing Emergencies: Emergencies already in effect at the time of enactment may be subject to a shorter termination window of two years if they have been in effect for more than three years (Section 204(b)(2)).
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Termination of Existing Contracts: Upon the termination of a national emergency, any contracts entered into relating to that emergency will be terminated (Section 202(c)(2)(C)).
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
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Increases Federal Power-5
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 6/11/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Rules, and the Budget, 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