Skip to content

Can Congress or the president institute a national quarantine?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been calls and speculation surrounding a national quarantine in the United States.

CQ Roll Call sat down with professors Randy Barnett and Michael Dorf, experts in constitutional law and presidential powers, respectively, to discuss if Congress or the president has the power to institute such a quarantine.

The only thing they agreed on? It’s complicated.

Recent Stories

At the Races: Red, white and blues

Trump’s attention drifts to 250th even after House floor meltdown

Trump ethics disclosure throws curveball at Senate crypto talks

Trump’s dubious claim that birthright citizenship could still be overturned with legislation

Capitol Lens | Back and Fourth

Capitol Ink | Semiquincentennial moment