Limiting Presidential Trade Authority: Congress Gains Veto Power on National Security Imports
The bill amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to limit the President's authority to adjust imports based on national security threats. It requires that such Presidential actions receive Congressional approval via a joint resolution within 60 days. The bill also transfers the responsibility for conducting import investigations from the Secretary of Commerce to the Secretary of Defense and narrows the definition of national security.
Key points
Presidential actions to adjust imports for national security reasons require Congressional approval.
The definition of "national security" is restricted to protection from foreign aggression and explicitly excludes general economic welfare.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) will administer a process for excluding specific articles from restrictions if they are not sufficiently produced in the U.S.
The Secretary of Defense replaces the Secretary of Commerce as the official responsible for assessing national security threats from imports.
Import restrictions imposed in the six years prior to the act's enactment will terminate after 75 days unless Congress passes a resolution of approval.
Expired
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