Elizabeth Warren: Poutrage or Hate?

[bhikkhu]

113. Here's a little about that:

From the Chamber of Commerce (a source of information in this case, though I am aware of their well-deserved reputation):

"To secure new market-opening trade agreements, Congress must renew the traditional trade negotiating authority that every president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has enjoyed. Sometimes called “trade promotion authority” or “fast track,” this trade negotiating authority gives the United States a seat at the table in international trade negotiations. However, this authority lapsed in 2007.

Trade negotiating authority is a historic compromise between the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. The U.S. Constitution gives the Congress authority to regulate international commerce, but it gives the president authority to negotiate with foreign governments. Trade negotiating authority permits the executive branch to negotiate agreements in consultation with the Congress; when an agreement is reached, Congress may approve or reject it, but not amend it."

http://www.uschamber.com/international/agenda/renew-trade-negotiating-authority

As I said, negotiating trade agreements is the president's job traditionally, after which congress can approve or not. George Washington sent John Jay to England to negotiate a trade agreement which favored Britain at the expense of France, which riled up many politicians of the time. Jefferson's ineptitude at trade negotiations led to the Embargo Act, which more or less prohibited foreign trade and hobbled the US economy. It was probably the largest failure of his presidency. Andrew Jackson successfully negotiated many favorable trade agreements on our behalf, in Europe, Asia and South America. And so forth. That's just how it works - it is the president or the administration of the president that is responsible, not congress.