Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)
WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group in Congress has introduced a resolution this week to claw back power from the Executive Branch.
Problem Solvers Caucus co-chairs Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) announced the legislation on Wednesday.
According to a media release from Reed’s office, by amending the National Emergencies Act, Congress will have to approve any new emergency declaration within 60 days – similar to the War Powers Act. The resolution aims to end the practice of governing by national emergency.
In announcing the legislation, Reed clarified that for him, the resolution is not a rebuke of President Donald Trump’s recent national emergency declaration involving the U.S.-Mexican border, but instead speaks to what he feels is the politicization of Congress and its failure to lead.
“Instead of proactively solving problems Congress has delegated our precious power away. We must take this power back. Otherwise over time, Congress will be seen as an advisory body instead of the co-equal branch of government the country needs,” Reed said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic-led House voted Tuesday to upend Trump’s declaration, which he declared to circumvent Congress and funnel billions of extra dollars to erecting his proposed wall. Reed did not support the measure.
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