Clinton does NOT now have the authority to draw oil from the SPR.

From the Congressional Research Bureau -- http://www.cnie.org/nle/eng-23.html ""The authorities governing a drawdown of the SPR are included in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA, P.L. 94-163). These authorities also provide for U.S. participation in emergency-sharing activities of the International Energy Agency (IEA) without risking violation of antitrust law and regulation. The last two Congresses have agreed to fairly short-term extensions of the authorities governing the use of the SPR, pending a broader review of SPR policy. ***The most recent extension, however, expired on March 31, 2000.***

It is possible that provisions in other statutes (the Defense Production Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act have been mentioned in this context) could be cited to authorize release of SPR oil in an emergency. However, the absence of a consensus in Congress to quickly restore the Presidential authority in EPCA suggests that action under other Presidential powers would likely be challenged.""

Now what will Congressional and Senate republicans do -- help the democrats or risk getting people mad at those that do not to help with oil prices (how it probably would be perceived)? JB

-- Jackson Brown (Jackson_Brown@deja.com), September 22, 2000

Answers

That's an easy problem for Clinton to handle. He'll merely issue an Executive Order, and go around Congress, like he always does.

-- Uncle Fred (dogboy45@bigfoot.com), September 22, 2000.

That's an easy problem for Clinton to handle. He'll merely issue an Executive Order, and go around Congress, like he always does. -- Uncle Fred

Note -- ""However, the absence of a consensus in Congress to quickly restore the Presidential authority in EPCA suggests that action under other Presidential powers would likely be challenged.""

-- Jackson Brown (Jackson_Brown@deja.com), September 22, 2000.

If he does, he'll be letting Congress off the hook.

-- Buck (bigbuck@trailways.net), September 22, 2000.

Doesn't an executive order only have to be entered in the Federal Register, allowing up to sixty days to be challenged? I believe this is what Clinton's been doing, regularly, and getting away with it. Those lazy dolts in Congress seldom get around to challengng him.

-- Loner (loner@bigfoot.com), September 22, 2000.