U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09) issued the following statement in response to the bi-partisan passage of H. J. Res 7, legislation introduced by Congressman Gosar to terminate the COVID-19 national emergency declaration:
“I am pleased that Congress finally debated and passed, with bi-partisan support, my legislation requiring the Biden administration to finally end the outdated and abusive COVID national emergency declaration. Until today, the House of Representatives has failed to perform its most basic Constitutional duty: checking the powers of the executive branch.
Nearly three years have passed since President Trump rightfully declared a national emergency concerning the COVID pandemic. Since President Trump’s initial declaration, the House of Representatives has not once voted, let alone debated, whether to terminate this national emergency as required under the National Emergencies Act.
The National Emergencies Act requires Congress to review termination of a national emergency no later than six months, and at least every six months thereafter. Yet, former Speaker Pelosi repeatedly blocked simple debate about the merits of extending or terminating the COVID national emergency declaration, despite the law requiring its review at least four times since being declared.
Last September, Mr. Biden asserted “the pandemic is over,” cases are down, and America has opened back up. Yet, Joe Biden continued to extend the COVID national emergency declaration simply to force Americans to live under extreme measures that deprive us of our freedoms.
With today’s bi-partisan passage in the House, the National Emergencies Act requires the Senate to expeditiously vote on my resolution within 18 calendar days. It is time to end this emergency declaration now,” concluded Congressman Gosar.
