Reforming the National Security Exception to Trade

Reforming the National Security Exception to Trade

Since the close of WWII, trade and national security have long been viewed as mutually beneficial. But what happens when trade threatens to impair national security? Congress envisioned exactly such a scenario when it granted the President the authority to restrict trade on the basis of national security. This little used provision of the trade rules is once again back in the news with recently completed investigations into steel and aluminum, and a looming investigation into automobiles. What exactly is the national security threat posed by these products, and is the President’s authority, often referred to by its legal statute Section 232, appropriate to use with treaty allies, and still relevant in today’s global economy? Please join Young Trade Professionals and the Heritage Foundation as we take a look into these issues. Tori K. Whiting, the Jay Van Andel Trade Economist Heritage’s Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies, will present her work on how to reform the Section 232 process. This will be proceeded by a discussion featuring:

• Tori Whiting, Jay Van Andel Trade Economist, The Heritage Foundation
• Tyler Minnich, Legistlative Assistant, Office of Senator Pat Toomey
• Halie Craig, Legislative Aide, Office of Senator Pat Toomey

Discussion is off-the-record