ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12938NoticeG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Notice 12938

Continuation of Emergency Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction

This notice continues for one year the national emergency first declared in 1994 regarding the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. The continuation is made under section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, maintaining existing sanctions and authorities without creating new authorities or modifying the underlying executive orders.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 63963

Impact dates

  1. Annual continuation expires unless extended again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency declared in EO 12938 for 1 year
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • Continuation of national emergency takes effect upon publication
  • Existing sanctions and authorities under EO 12938 remain in force

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication
  • Transmittal to Congress

Long term

  • Emergency subject to annual renewal or termination
  • Potential future amendments to underlying executive orders

Risks & tensions

  • Procedural continuation without policy debate may obscure substantive evolution of WMD threats
  • Perpetual emergency status since 1994 raises questions about normalization of emergency powers
Presidential Notice 12938: Continuation of Emergency Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction · Executive Orders