Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 125

119th Congress

Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Andy Biggs

R - AZ

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Emergency Management

Summary

This bill requires congressional approval for national emergencies to continue. Any emergency declaration expires after 30 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution affirming it. All emergencies automatically expire after two years unless the President requests renewal and Congress approves.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires congressional approval for national emergencies to continue. Any emergency declaration expires after 30 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution affirming it. All emergencies automatically expire after two years unless the President requests renewal and Congress approves.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025This bill terminates any national emergency declared by the President 30 days after the declaration unless a joint resolution affirming the declaration is enacted. All national emergency declarations expire after two years unless the President requests a renewal and a joint resolution affirming the renewal is enacted.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Terminates emergencies after 30 days without congressional approval
Requires joint resolution to affirm emergency declarations
Caps all emergencies at two years maximum
Mandates congressional approval for renewals
Limits executive emergency powers

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Presidents would no longer be able to maintain indefinite emergency declarations without congressional support. This addresses concerns about open-ended emergencies that continue for years or decades. Congress would have more oversight and control over executive emergency powers.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Emergency Management

Related Subjects

Abortion

Health programs administration and funding

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

125, 119th Congress (2025). "Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-125