Interests or Institutions: An Inquiry into Congressional-ITC Relations

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Abstract
This essay examines the relationship between Congress and the International Trade Commission (ITC). Using the logic of principal-agent theory, we find that rising constituent pressures on Congress to increase trade protectionism have not led to increased political control over the trade bureaucracy. The essay suggests that the absence of this expected relationship between Congress and the ITC may be explained by the historical circumstances under which Congress originally delegated power. We provisionally argue that delegation in the 1930s established rules and norms which continue to influence the range of remedies to which Congress will turn to aid ailing industries. These rules and norms forestall direct congressional involvement in protectionism, thereby insulating the ITC.

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