Gallagher Introduces Legislation to Restrict National Emergency Authority

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Gallagher last week introduced legislation that would require Congressional approval for any future National Emergency Declaration that reprograms or transfers more than $250 million. The legislation would automatically terminate national emergencies over the $250 million threshold after 60 legislative days unless Congress approves the declaration.

"For decades, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have ceded authority to the executive branch,"said Rep. Gallagher. "We need to reclaim our Constitutional authority to legislate, and that starts with more clearly defining the parameters of national emergency authority. This mechanism should not be a way for the executive branch to thwart the will of Congress."

Background: Since he was elected to Congress, Rep. Gallagher has been a leading voice on Congressional reform and reclaiming Congressional authority. Rep. Gallagher recently testified before the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to discuss reforming the appropriations process, and introduced similar legislation mandating Congressional approval of tariffs imposed under Section 232 authority.