Bipartisan House Coalition Introduces Tariff Legislation

Press Release

Rep. Ryan Costello (PA-06) today joined Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Ron Kind (D-WI), Mark Sanford (R-SC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) to introduce legislation that would require the president to submit to Congress any proposal to adjust imports in the interest of national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

Under the bill, Members of Congress would have a 60-day period following submission to review the president's proposal. Any legislation to approve the proposal will qualify for expedited consideration in both chambers. The requirement would apply to all future Section 232 actions, in addition to those taken in the last two years. Click here for a copy of the legislation.

Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA): "This legislation would uphold Congress' Article I authority regarding trade. Further, it would send a strong signal to Pennsylvania workers and families that Congress is committed to supporting American jobs and a strong economy."

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI): "Members of Congress have criticized excessive delegation to the executive branch for years, across multiple administrations." He continued, "The Framers deliberately placed the duty to set trade policy with the Congress, and we cannot shirk that responsibility. We owe it to our constituents to do our jobs and uphold the Constitution, which is why I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help restore that responsibility to where the Framers first placed it."


Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI): "Wisconsin farmers, workers and families rely on open markets and certainty in global trade to sell our world-renowned products abroad. Unfortunately, the administration is putting misguided policies ahead of the success of Wisconsinites, under dubious legal justification and threatening American standing abroad." He continued, "Trade authorities clearly belong to Congress - as explicitly stated in the Constitution - and I strongly encourage my colleagues to step up and take their role in leveling the playing field seriously. The answers to these problems won't come from the President or Congress alone. We need to work together to ensure Americans have an equal shot at success in the global market."

Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC): "Almost 580,000 jobs in South Carolina are tied to trade, and over 6,000 companies export goods globally from the state. This means that any federal policy affecting trade -- like tariffs -- will have a huge impact. But whether you want more tariffs or no tariffs, the Constitution is explicit in granting Congress the power to decide these matters. Yet, over the years, this power has eroded in congressional hands and strengthened in executive ones. This bill would simply help Congress to reassert its constitutional authority over tariffs proposed under Section 232."

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA): "Congress must effectively execute its national security and trade oversight authorities. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation advances that goal." He continued, "The Administration's policies and tariffs are negatively impacting American industries and consumers, including the central coast of California's $5 billion agriculture economy. By reaffirming the role of Congress, this legislation protects our farmers, ranchers, and consumers from unnecessary trade wars."

Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ): "In global trade wars, the only casualties are American jobs and American consumers. This legislation will bring a much-needed constitutional balance to our U.S. trade policies by requiring congressional approval of all tariffs designated under Section 232 to ensure proper oversight and prudence at the intersection of trade and national security."

A letter from more than 270 national, state, and local U.S. business organizations sent to the Senate in support of Sen. Corker's legislation reads: "Article I of the Constitution assigns the Congress exclusive authority to regulate foreign trade and levy taxes, including tariffs. [T]he current circumstances highlight the need for Congress to ensure that the authority will be used, as intended by the Congress, in the overall national interest."