I think we need to be very cautious in having these discussions.

This country is being governed in a State of perpetual emergency.

Congress has the power of the purse.

I think we need to be very cautious in having these discussions.

What does it mean for the scope of Executive authority if national emergencies can be left open for long periods of time?

It self-defeats the Congress' Article I prerogative to decide when and where the Executive is supposed to have certain authorities.

if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order following the remarks of Senators Lankford and Sanders. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so…

Thank you, Mr. Chair and Ranking Member Paul for holding this hearing.

There have been abuses of emergency powers in the past, but the most egregious abuses... have been based on claims of inherent constitutional authority.

Congress can provide, and it has done this in the past, that certain amount appropriated in funding bills will be withheld or reduced by 10 percent, 25 percent, if required reports are not submitted.

What does it mean for the scope of Executive authority if national emergencies can be left open for long periods of time?

A national emergency should be something akin to a war and unforeseen circumstances, a pandemic, an asteroid strike.