Working Out the Tensions: Fast Track Authority as a Study in Executive/Congressional Cooperation

Abstract

Congress and the Executive have managed the Constitutional "invitation to struggle" over international trade issues, at least at first glance, with more ease than they seem to have where military power is involved. As with war powers, there is a division of responsibility between the branches and the problem of practicality. The Constitution in Article I, Section 8 puts trade under Legislative preview, but Congress recognizes the Executive is the branch able to negotiate international deals cutting tariffs or opening markets for U.S. exports. The "fast track" procedure first included in the 1974 Trade Act provided a mechanism to resolve tension between constitutional authority and practicality/ effectiveness in international affairs. However, Congress' refusal of President Clinton's 1994 request to renew fast track suggests the Legislative's determination to maintain control and, perhaps, that branch's greater sensitivity to public sentiment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA440644

Entities

People

  • Robert F. Cekuta

Organizations

  • National War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Cooperation
  • Executives
  • International Trade
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Security
  • United States
  • War
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design