Obama Extends National Emergency Declaration

Eleven years after 9/11, with no war in Iraq and operations in Afghanistan winding down, Obama has seen fit to extend it once again.

“The declaration, which has to be reissued each year, invokes several war-time powers that give the president greater control of the military. Obama cited the continuing threat of a terrorist attack in justifying his decision to continue the now 11-year national emergency.The powers re-invoked by President Obama all relate to the military and include the ability to suspend retirements and separations of military personnel, recall the Ready Reserve, activate recently-retired Coast Guard officers and personnel, and prohibit or regulate financial transactions with foreign entities involved in terrorism. “

“The terrorist threat that led to the declaration on September 14, 2001, of a national emergency continues.  For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue in effect after September 14, 2012, the national emergency with respect to the terrorist threat,” said Obama.

Given that the United States has now operated in such a manner for over a decade, it would seem that the entire purpose for the National Emergencies Act of 1975 has all but been rendered moot.