Kim Reynolds: “House Resolution 414 is a unique rule providing for the disposition of House Joint Resolution 84, a resolution of…”

“House Resolution 414 is a unique rule providing for the disposition of House Joint Resolution 84, a resolution of disapproval. Under this rule, H.J. Res. 84 would be automatically tabled. H.J. Res. 84 disapproves the action taken by President Bush to impose temporary tariffs on some types of steel products. Under the Trade Act, Congress has the authority to disapprove of such actions within 90 days. Such a disapproval resolution is highly privileged, not amendable, and floor debate is limited to 20 hours. To put it simply, a vote in favor of this rule will lay on the table the disapproval resolution and conclude further deliberations. While congressional disapproval is certainly allowed under the statute, this rule recognizes that the circumstances in this case simply do not warrant such action. Laying this resolution on the table does not hurt the steel industry, as we have heard from so many Members on a bipartisan basis from the Steel Caucus. In fact, it will keep intact the President's remedy that the industry favors.”