Limiting Domestic Military Use: New Rules for Insurrection and Congressional Oversight
This bill amends the rules governing when and how the President can deploy the Armed Forces domestically to suppress insurrections or enforce laws. It establishes that military deployment must be a last resort, used only when state and local authorities are overwhelmed. Crucially, it introduces strict Congressional and judicial oversight, limiting the duration of military intervention and safeguarding civil liberties.
Key points
Military as Last Resort: Armed forces can only be deployed if state, local, and federal civilian law enforcement authorities are unable or fail to suppress the situation (e.g., rebellion, domestic violence).
Congressional Approval Required: Presidential authority to deploy troops is temporary (7 days). Continuation requires a joint resolution of approval from Congress, extending the authority for 14 days.
Protection of Civil Rights: The Act explicitly prohibits the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and mandates that the armed forces operate under the Standing Rules for the Use of Force.
Judicial Review: Individuals or entities injured by the use of the armed forces can bring a civil action for relief, with federal courts required to expedite the disposition of such cases.
Expired
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