Executive Orders
I have introduced legislation, along with Rep. Jack Metcalf of Washington,
that would bring our federal system into proper balance. The Separation
of Powers Restoration Act (HR 2655) prohibits a presidential order from
having the effect of law by restricting the scope of the directives. In
addition, it repeals the 1973 War Powers Act, which—despite the constitutional
prohibition—granted broad war-making authority to the office of the president.
Further, the legislation suspends all of the “national emergencies” that
have been declared since 1976, when Congress last canceled them. Still
on the books are “emergencies” relating to Iraq and the Soviet bloc. These
emergency declarations give presidents great authority, even if the situation
no longer presents a threat to our national security.
Ron Paul, “Restricting the Executive Orders,” Texas Straight
Talk, Aug. 2, 1999.