ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 12978NoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 12978

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered In Colombia

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency declared in 1995 regarding significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia, citing ongoing threats to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy. The continuation maintains existing sanctions and measures under Executive Order 12978 beyond their October 21, 2010 expiration date.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 64109

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless renewed again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency declared October 21, 1995 for 1 year beyond October 21, 2010
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect upon publication
  • Existing sanctions under EO 12978 remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Annual review and reporting to Congress on emergency status

Long term

  • Potential renewal required by October 21, 2011 if emergency continues

Risks & tensions

  • Long-running emergency (15+ years) raises questions about indefinite emergency powers
  • Annual continuation mechanism normalizes permanent emergency status without new congressional action
Presidential Notice 12978: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Centered In Colombia · Executive Orders