Restricting Presidential Authority for Emergency Military Stockpile Drawdowns.
This Act modifies the rules governing the President's ability to transfer military equipment from U.S. stockpiles to foreign nations during emergencies. It imposes strict time limits (20 days) and financial caps ($100 million annually) on such actions without Congressional approval. For citizens, this means increased Congressional oversight of military aid spending and potentially slower responses to international crises, impacting U.S. foreign policy and security.
Key points
Time Limitation: The President can only direct a military equipment drawdown within a 20-day period starting from the date Congress is notified of an unforeseen emergency.
Financial Cap: Drawdowns exceeding $100 million in aggregate value per fiscal year require explicit Congressional authorization (joint resolution) and funding authorized to replenish the stockpiles.
Emergency Definition: An 'unforeseen emergency' is strictly defined as a direct kinetic attack on a U.S. treaty ally, unforeseen by intelligence, posing a direct threat to U.S. security interests.
Expedited Procedures: Special, expedited procedures are established in Congress for considering the President's requests to exceed the $100 million limit.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5211
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Process start date: 2024-09-25