How National Emergencies Work

The National Emergency Act Pass in 1976 to enable quick response by the executive branch. Grants broad powers to the president within the specific context of the emergency. Establishes rules for and limits on the use of Emergency Powers

Rules of National Emergencies Presidents must: Publicly declare the national emergency and publish it to the public registrar. Congress must be officially notified. Specify the provisions under the law that they or their officers will be using. May be done in the emergency order or a later order. Report spending as a result of the declaration every 6 months. Terminate emergencies that have past or no longer applicable.

Rules of National Emergencies Congress must: Within 6 months of the order, consider vote to continue/terminate the emergency (every 6 months for the duration of the emergency). Pass a joint revolution to terminate a national emergency. Passed out of both chambers. Signed by the president/override veto.

Since the passage of the act, it has been invoked 58 times.

There are currently 31 active national emergencies in effect.

25 of these involve the Treasury blocking financial transactions with US adversaries or individuals. List of current national emergencies

The other 6 involve maritime regulations production of weapons of mass destruction, or powers related to the War on Terror

1 6 11 10 3 Continuing Emergency Jimmy Carter Bill Clinton Issued in 1979 Seized Iranian financial resources 1 Jimmy Carter Continuing Emergencies Financial sanctions on various terrorist, state, and private actors. 6 Bill Clinton Continuing Emergencies Powers to fight terrorism, recall retired military personnel. Financial sanctions 11 George W. Bush Continuing Emergencies Financial sanctions against terrorist organizations, state and private actors. 10 Barack Obama Continuing Emergencies Sanctions for human rights violations, Russian election interference, other state actors. 3 Donald Trump