National Emergency Act
By The Policy Circle Team
What is the National Emergencies Act of 1976 and what authority does it give? “The statutes do not provide any explicit criteria for what type of circumstances qualify as a “national emergency,” so discretion rests solely with the president.”(ABC News) Of the 58 emergencies declared since 1976, 31 still remain in effect. (ABC News).
By declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and taking other executive action, the administration made a legal case for directing previously appropriated funds toward securing the border. The resulting controversy, which relies on the judicial branch to determine what happens next, highlights the fact that recent administrations have relied on executive action to deliver policy priorities for the American people. This move calls to mind former President Obama’s actions to move forward his immigration priorities. In today’s political environment, trying to get reforms through Congress makes executive action possibly the only way to see any action on issues requiring compromise.
What’s agreed to among all sides is the need for the U.S. to finally address immigration policy. Put the headlines aside and read the Policy Circle Immigration brief for a factual, non-emotional look beyond the controversy with proposed paths forward.
As this Andrew Yang interview on the Joe Rogan podcast demonstrates (beginning at min 1:25:40), it isn’t just a Republican issue… Democrat presidential candidates also acknowledge that it’s time to take rational action on immigration.
And check out this paycheckology post on The Border Wall, A Declared National Emergency, And Your Paycheck for more coverage of the issue.
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