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Congress·In Committee·12 months ago

Congress Proposes Bill to Require Lawmaker Approval for National Security Tariffs

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Economy FinanceNational Security Foreign Policy

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 6, 2025House

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.

Mar 6, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles
Agri-Pulse·5 days ago

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.

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CBC News·about 7 years ago

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.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 1903
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred 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.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(20)
D: 20

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.