We are witnessing a repeated troubling pattern: Congress is abdicating its responsibilities and recklessly delegating its powers to the President under the guise of “National Emergencies,” thereby granting the President sweeping “emergency powers.”
History shows us the consequences of such decisions. Once, another Senate in a different Republic made the grave mistake of saying, “In emergencies, we should grant emergency powers to one leader.” Initially, this power was limited to six months, but it quickly morphed into multi-year grants—subject to annual review by the Senate. Eventually, this unchecked authority culminated in one man receiving emergency powers for life. This all came to a head on March 15, 44 BCE.
However, the Senate never regained its authority to govern the Republic. By repeatedly abdicating their role, they set a dangerous precedent that allowed for the appointment of a 19-year-old Gaius Octavian Caesar as Consul of Rome, despite him being too young to even serve as a Senator.
The Roman Republic perished, paving the way for the Roman Empire. Gaius Octavian was honored with the title of Augustus and became Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome.
Today, we find ourselves with a Congress that has similarly relinquished its role and powers, officiously handing them over to the President under claims of “national emergencies.”
Since January 20, we have witnessed multiple national emergencies at both borders due to the fentanyl crisis. There are national emergencies related to illegal immigration at the southern border. Additionally, we are facing a supposed national emergency because a gang in South America has “invaded” our nation. Not to mention the national emergency regarding our U.S. oil supply, despite the fact that America has been a net exporter of oil since 2019.
Since January 20, six national emergencies have been declared, bringing the total to 49 National Emergencies currently in effect. Many of these were initiated by previous administrations, yet each has been continually renewed by the sitting President.
These so-called “national emergencies” have facilitated an alarming concentration of power in the Office of the President.
As a result of these emergencies, individuals have been deported without due process. There exists an Executive Order that aims to distort the established meaning of the 14th Amendment. Legal residents of the U.S. have faced deportation simply for exercising their right to protest.
Now, the President is speaking seriously of a third term.
This is an unacceptable trajectory that must be challenged, or soon, our Republic may experience the same fate as the Republic of Rome
