Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

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.