Bill addresses national security powers

A group of lawmakers have introduced a measure they said seeks to reassert congressional power regarding national security matters.

House Rules Committee Chairman Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI), ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, & Accountability, are among the legislators spearheading the National Security Reforms and Accountability Act (NSRAA) — H.R. 5410.

The lawmakers said the bill establishes a balance of power reset between the president and congress, reclaiming congressional oversight of arms sales, emergency declarations, and the use of military force.

Via the measure, the president would be required to consult congressional leaders while garnering congressional authorization prior to exercising the powers.

“For decades, presidents of both parties have slowly but surely usurped Congressional authority on matters of national security,” McGovern said. “It’s happened regardless of who occupies the Oval Office or which party is in charge on Capitol Hill. Clearly, this is not the system of checks and balances our constitution envisions. Congress is the branch of government closest to the people and it is our duty to make tough decisions about when, where, and how to put American troops in harm’s way.”

McGovern said the National Security Reforms and Accountability Act endeavors to have the legislative branch reclaim its role as a co-equal branch of government.

“Allowing administration after administration — presidents from both sides of the aisle — to supersede Congress’ authority over matters of war and peace is a dereliction of congressional responsibility,” Meijer said. “Congress must reassert its role in national security decisions, especially those that impact our servicemembers.”

Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) joined McGovern and Meijer in offering the bill.