Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025
Congress Proposes Bill to Require Lawmaker Approval for National Security Tariffs
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill changes how the U.S. government handles imports that might threaten national security. Currently, the President can raise taxes (tariffs) or limit the amount of goods coming into the country if they believe it protects the nation. This bill would require Congress to vote and approve those changes before they can take effect.
- The proposal narrows the definition of 'national security.' It would only allow these trade restrictions for items directly related to military gear, energy, or critical infrastructure. It specifically states that the general health of the economy is no longer a valid reason to use these specific national security powers.
- The Department of Defense would take the lead on investigating these threats, a job currently handled by the Department of Commerce. If the President wants to act, they must send a proposal to Congress, which then has 60 days to pass a resolution of approval. Without that vote, the trade restrictions cannot happen.
- The bill includes a 'look-back' rule for trade actions taken in the last nine years. If this bill becomes law, the President would have to ask Congress to approve those existing tariffs again. If Congress does not approve them within 75 days, those tariffs would end, and the government would have to refund some of the money collected.
- A new process would be created to let companies ask for 'exclusions.' If a specific product is not made in the U.S., or if a tariff would hurt families by making everyday items too expensive, the International Trade Commission could decide to let those specific goods into the country without the extra tax.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
The bill shifts the lead role for national security trade investigations from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Defense, which would reorganize staff responsibilities and expertise across agencies. Commerce Department trade staff would move to a supporting role, while Defense Department personnel would take on new investigative duties. The International Trade Commission would also gain new responsibilities managing the exclusion process and producing reports.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Trump says Congress won't need to vote on new tariffs, deals will hold
Covers the ongoing battle between the executive branch and Congress over tariff authority. Following a Supreme Court ruling striking down emergency tariffs, the administration pivoted to other statutes, while lawmakers pushed for bills like the Congressional Trade Authority Act to reclaim power.
U.S. lawmakers move to curtail president's power to levy tariffs
Provides essential historical context for the Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act. It explains the bipartisan origins of the bill, led by Senators Pat Toomey and Mark Warner, aimed at requiring congressional approval for Section 232 'national security' tariffs.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(20)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.