Rep. Roy & Rep. Cohen Introduce Bipartisan ARTICLE ONE Act Requiring Congressional Approval on National Emergencies After 30 Days
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act, legislation that would require Congress to approve national emergency declarations and the powers used under them within 30 days for them to remain in effect.
“Americans deserve accountability—not sweeping power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of allowing emergency authority to continue indefinitely, and the revelations surrounding Dr. Fauci only underscore the need for transparency and accountability. The ARTICLE ONE Act restores Congress’ constitutional responsibility by requiring elected representatives
to vote on whether a national emergency can continue beyond 30 days. Our liberties should never be left at the mercy of unchecked emergency powers,” said Rep. Roy.
Congressman Roy worked on this critical legislation with Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who is the author of similar legislation called the National Emergencies Reform Act.
“An emergency declared during the Carter Administration should not still be in effect. When I was Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, I held hearings on the National Emergencies Act and built bipartisan support for its reform. Our government is defined by checks and balances. But right now, Presidents can tap into emergency powers without any meaningful political check, time limit, or public rationale. We need to restore the balance of power and make sure that emergency powers are used only in true emergencies and that Congress is involved in their assessment and duration. I’m pleased to join with my colleague Congressman Chip Roy in this continuing bipartisan effort at meaningful reform,” said Rep. Cohen.
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