Trent Lott: “The President has delegated to the Secretary of Labor the decision of how far this order really goes. That is one of the…”

“The President has delegated to the Secretary of Labor the decision of how far this order really goes. That is one of the things that really worries me. This employer right is essential to maintaining balance in labor relations. The right has always been recognized as the necessary counterweight to the unrestrained right to strike guaranteed by this Nation's labor laws. Because the risks are high if either side engages in economic warfare against the other, neither side exercises its rights and powers except over major issues. The Executive order abolishes this congressionally and judicially crafted balance. The fact that many, many days have been devoted to the issue in recent years should leave no doubt that this is a legislative issue. Any Executive order that touches on this same issue is an infringement on the separation of powers. This order goes far beyond mere procurement policy and regulates private labor relations and restricts private rights guaranteed under the laws crafted by Congress. It is argued that other Presidents have regulated labor relations through Executive orders. None of those orders, however, amount to the usurpation of congressional authority as does this action of President Clinton.”