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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 1903

Congress Proposes Bill to Require Lawmaker Approval for National Security Tariffs

Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

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

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

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

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

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. Always verify with official sources.