3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 11, 2026)

Technical corrections only. v3 adds details about the bill's referral to the Senate Committee on Finance and specifies the name of the House Clerk. There are no substantive changes to the legislative text or policy.

H.J.Res. 72119th CongressIntroduced Mar 6, 2025

Relating to a national emergency by the President on February 1, 2025.

Passed HouseImmigrationMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]
Committees: Finance Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 12, 2026

Bottom line

This resolution seeks to end a specific national emergency declared by the President, thereby curtailing the executive powers associated with that declaration and reasserting congressional authority.

What it actually does

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency declared by the President on February 1, 2025, through Executive Order 14193 (25 Fed. Reg. 02406). It explicitly invokes section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) to achieve this termination, thereby revoking the President's emergency powers and authorities related to that specific declaration.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025, is no longer necessary or constitutes an overreach of executive power, and its termination is essential to restore congressional authority and prevent potential abuses of emergency powers. They may assert that the underlying conditions justifying the emergency have either resolved or do not warrant such a declaration, emphasizing the importance of legislative checks on executive actions.

Opponents contend

Opponents would likely argue that the national emergency declared by the President on February 1, 2025, remains necessary to address a continuing threat or crisis, and terminating it prematurely would undermine national security or public welfare. They might contend that the President's actions were within their constitutional authority and that Congress should not interfere with ongoing executive efforts to manage the emergency.

The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for immediate understanding of its core purpose.

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Termination of National Emergency Declared on February 1, 2025

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision explicitly states that the national emergency declared by the President on February 1, 2025, under Executive Order 14193 (25 Fed. Reg. 02406), is hereby terminated. It cites section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) as the legal basis for this congressional action, effectively revoking the special powers and authorities granted to the President under that specific emergency declaration.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupThe President and Executive BranchImpactLoss of special emergency powers and authorities previously exercised under Executive Order 14193.MechanismCongressional resolution terminating the emergency under the National Emergencies Act.ScaleDirect and immediate cessation of powers related to the specific national emergency.

GroupCongressImpactReassertion of legislative authority and oversight over executive emergency declarations.MechanismExercise of power under section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.ScaleReinforces constitutional checks and balances between branches of government.

GroupEntities or individuals impacted by the original emergency declarationImpactCessation of any actions, regulations, or restrictions imposed under the emergency, potentially altering their legal or operational environment.MechanismTermination of the underlying legal basis for such executive actions.ScaleVaries significantly depending on the specific nature and scope of the original national emergency.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is a crucial exercise of congressional oversight, ensuring that emergency powers are not indefinitely or inappropriately used by the executive branch. They contend that the specific emergency declared on February 1, 2025, no longer warrants the extraordinary powers it granted, and its termination restores constitutional balance and prevents potential abuses.

Critics contend

Opponents would likely argue that terminating this emergency is premature and could jeopardize national interests or public safety, as the conditions that necessitated the declaration may still persist. They might assert that the President needs these powers to effectively respond to ongoing or evolving threats and that Congress is undermining critical executive functions.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is between executive flexibility to respond swiftly to crises and congressional oversight to prevent potential overreach or indefinite use of emergency powers. It balances the need for rapid executive action in emergencies against the democratic principle of legislative checks and balances, particularly concerning the duration and scope of extraordinary powers.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.