It was reported that Clinton was keeping the export controls going by
executive order, even tho' congress had failed to re-authorize the
sunsetted legislation. I asked my local congress-critter about it, and
here is the response. I found it enlightening.
Now, they are checking to see whether there was any _explicit_ funding
for the export controls. Perhaps that could be blocked, as a money-
saving initiative.
The last line might be taken as a call to action -- we need to watch.
-------- Original Message --------
.... If congress did not
accept his action, it could have legislated his executive order out of
existence. Certainly, when the Republicans took control of congress in 1995,
they could have rescinded his order if they did not want it to operate.
Since 1994, the 104th, 105th and 106th congresses have chosen to allow the
Export Administration Act to exist under emergency authority.
Many, possibly, hundreds of programs whose authorization has run out, are in
existence. Congress frequently appropriates funds for these programs. For
example, the National Endowment for the Arts' authorization ran out. Even
though many in the current majority would like to eliminate the NEA, each
year it is funded because a majority of all members want to. It is not
brought up for reauthorization because no one wants to engage in the fight.
The authorization for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab has expired
also. Even so, it is funded every year.
Congress failed to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. However,
it continues to be funded. Reauthorization legislation was up last year, but
no consensus was reached on certain key issues.
Congress often lets programs ride until a consensus can be reached. There is
some talk that the EAA may be reauthorized this year.
