Legislation requiring congressional approval of national security-designated tariffs introduced in Senate

U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Bob Corker (R-TN) recently led a group of senators in introducing a bill that would require congressional approval of tariffs designated in the interest of national security.

The bill would require the president to submit proposals to adjust imports in the interest of national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Legislation to approve the proposal would qualify for expedited consideration for a 60-day period following submission. The requirement would apply to all Section 232 actions moving forward, in addition to those taken within the past two years.

“Tariffs are taxes on American consumers,” Toomey said. “They hurt American workers, families, and employers. Imposing them under the false pretense of ‘national security’ weakens our economy, our credibility with other nations, and invites retaliation. The decision to use these taxes should not be taken lightly or unilaterally. By passing this legislation, Congress can reassert its constitutional responsibility (Article 1, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 3) on trade and ensure Americans can keep buying affordable products and keep selling our goods abroad. I hope my Democratic and Republican colleagues join this common-sense effort.”

Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ron Johnson (R-WI.), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the bill along with Toomey and Corker.