Trade Act of 1974

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (19 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The Trade Act of 1974 was enacted to give the President fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements, expand global commerce, and create mechanisms to deal with unfair foreign trade practices.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Prior trade laws gave presidents tariff authority, but this Act was the first to create fast-track procedures that limited Congress to an up-or-down vote on trade deals.