H.R.2499 - To codify Executive Order 14248, entitled Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2499 aims to codify Executive Order 14248, titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," into law. This bill seeks to give the Executive Order the full force and effect of law, making its provisions more permanent and harder to alter or repeal. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to multiple committees for consideration.
Codifying an executive order would mean that future changes would require congressional action, rather than just a new executive order. This could lead to more stable and predictable election procedures, but also potentially make it more difficult to adapt to changing circumstances or address unforeseen issues.
The bill's impact hinges on the specific content of Executive Order 14248, which is not detailed in this document but is referenced by its Federal Register citation.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.R. 2499 would transform Executive Order 14248 into a legally binding statute. This would make the provisions of the Executive Order more durable, as they would require an act of Congress to amend or repeal.
The practical effect would depend entirely on the specific measures outlined in Executive Order 14248. Without knowing the details of the Executive Order, it is difficult to assess the full impact.
Potential Benefits
- Increased stability and permanence for election integrity measures.
- Enhanced public confidence in election processes if the Executive Order's provisions are well-received.
- Greater transparency and accountability due to the need for congressional approval for changes.
- Potential for improved enforcement of election laws if the Executive Order strengthens existing mechanisms.
- Could address perceived vulnerabilities in the electoral system, depending on the specifics of the Executive Order.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced flexibility to adapt election procedures to emerging challenges or technological advancements.
- Potential for partisan gridlock if future amendments are needed but cannot gain congressional support.
- Entrenchment of policies that may become outdated or ineffective over time.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the Executive Order's provisions are not carefully considered.
- Possible legal challenges if the Executive Order's original scope exceeds executive authority.
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutionality of H.R. 2499 depends on whether the Executive Order 14248 itself is constitutional. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to elections, as outlined in Article I, Sections 2 and 4. However, the specific provisions of the Executive Order must not infringe upon individual rights or exceed the powers delegated to the executive branch.
If the Executive Order addresses legitimate concerns about election integrity without violating constitutional principles, then codifying it would likely be constitutional. However, if the Executive Order overreaches or infringes on rights, codification would not cure those defects.
Without knowing the details of Executive Order 14248, a definitive assessment of constitutional alignment is impossible.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).