Tariff Reform Coalition Launched to Support Sections 232, 301 Reform Bills
Twenty-three trade associations, led by the National Foreign Trade Council, have sent a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate committees with trade jurisdiction, asking them to hold public hearings on tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump, and telling them the Tariff Reform Coalition wants to "work with you to pass appropriate tariff reform legislation as soon as possible."
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There have been numerous bills introduced in both chambers that would give Congress more say on tariffs levied under Sections 232 and 301, as well as bills that clarify that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act cannot be used to raise tariffs. None has gotten a hearing yet.
"Creating balance in managing U.S. trade policy between Congress and the Executive Branch is crucial to our economic well-being," the U.S. Fashion Industry Association said in its press release announcing it has joined the coalition. The American Chemistry Council added its signature Sept. 18, after the embargoed version of the letter was first released.
"Not since the 1930s has our country relied so heavily on tariffs in an attempt to pick winners in the U.S. market while overlooking the broader consequences for other industries and our economy as a whole,” said Rufus Yerxa, NFTC president. “The Constitution explicitly gives Congress the power to regulate commerce. We believe it is time for Congress to reassert its authority to ensure that tariffs are only used in limited circumstances and only where there is broad consensus between the two branches that such exceptional action is in our overall national interest."