Delegation of Authorities Under the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Act

Jul 23, 2015

Summary

Gives certain powers from the 2015 Trade Priorities Act to the U.S. Trade Representative and other government officials to manage.

What problem does this solve?

A new law gave the President many new responsibilities related to trade agreements. This order assigns those tasks to specific government officials so the work can be done effectively.

What does this order do?

Delegates trade authorities to U.S. Trade Representative

Assigns most of the President's powers and duties from the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Assigns specific duties to other department heads

Gives specific tasks to the Secretary of State, Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, such as creating reports and implementation plans.

Reserves certain powers for the President

Keeps several key authorities under the direct control of the President, ensuring the President has the final say on certain trade matters.

Allows for further delegation of authority

Permits officials who receive powers under this order to pass those duties on to other officers in the executive branch, as long as it is permitted by law.

Assigns environmental and employment reviews

Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to handle environmental reviews and the Secretary of Labor to conduct reviews on how trade agreements might affect jobs.

Who does this affect?

U.S. Trade Representative
Secretary of State
Secretary of Labor

What is the real world impact?

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Improves government efficiency

Delegates the President's new responsibilities under a major trade law to the appropriate federal agencies. This allows the experts in those agencies to handle the specific tasks required by the law, making the government's trade operations run more smoothly.

When does this start?

This order became effective on July 17, 2015.