H.R. 3908: National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025

This bill, known as the National Emergencies Reform Act of 2025, seeks to amend existing laws regarding how national emergencies are declared and managed by the President of the United States. It primarily aims to enhance the system of checks and balances related to the declaration and exercise of powers during a national emergency. Below are the main provisions of the bill:

Declaration and Renewal of National Emergencies

The bill sets forth new requirements for how national emergencies can be declared and renewed:

• The President must immediately transmit a proclamation declaring a national emergency to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.
• Before exercising any special powers available during a national emergency, the President must specify which laws will be used and report these to Congress.
• If Congress does not approve a declaration of emergency or a specific power within a certain timeframe, the President cannot declare subsequent emergencies based on similar circumstances or exercise the previously specified powers.

Duration of National Emergencies

The bill limits the duration of national emergencies as follows:

• A declared national emergency will initially last for 20 days in both the Senate and the House unless approved by a joint resolution from Congress.
• If not renewed by the President and approved by Congress, the emergency will automatically terminate after one year.
• No national emergency can be declared based on the same circumstances after it has been terminated.

Reporting Requirements

The President must provide regular updates to Congress regarding national emergencies:

• When declaring an emergency, the President must submit a report detailing the reasons for the emergency, anticipated duration, and intended actions and authorities needed to address the emergency.
• Periodic updates must be provided every three months throughout the emergency.

Automatic Termination of National Emergencies

Any national emergency declared would automatically terminate after five years unless specifically renewed by the President and approved by Congress. This also applies to any existing emergencies at the time of the bill’s enactment, with specific termination timelines based on how long they have been in effect.

Exclusions

Certain national emergencies related to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are exempt from the provisions of this bill and will continue under existing laws before the enactment of this legislation.

Rules Regarding Joint Resolutions

The bill establishes clear processes for Congress to approve or terminate emergency declarations. It outlines procedures for expedited consideration of such resolutions in both the House and Senate, ensuring members have a chance to act quickly on them.

Disclosure Requirements

The bill mandates that all presidential emergency action documents must be submitted to Congress within a defined timeframe after they are created or revised, promoting transparency and accountability regarding emergency actions taken by the President.

Fiscal Accountability

There are provisions for the President to report on the financial implications of national emergencies, including projected and actual spending, which will help Congress track how emergency funds are utilized.

Repeal of Certain Designations

The act also repeals specific designations related to emergency spending, namely the Overseas Contingency Operations/global war on terrorism designation, redirecting focus towards designated emergency requirements established by Congress.

Effective Date

The provisions of this bill will take effect upon enactment and apply to any national emergencies declared thereafter. Existing emergencies will be subject to new renewal requirements.

Relevant Companies

None found.