This bill requires the President to obtain congressional approval before imposing tariffs or duties on imported goods. Currently, the President has broad authority to impose tariffs under various trade laws, but this legislation would change that by requiring the President to submit a proposal explaining the rationale for any tariff to Congress, which would then need to pass a joint resolution approving it. The bill covers tariffs imposed under multiple trade statutes including the Trade Act of 1974, the Tariff Act of 1930, and the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, essentially expanding Congress's role in trade policy decisions. The legislation includes an exception for complete embargoes on countries or specific article types, which would not require congressional approval. This bill aims to restore congressional power over taxation on imports, echoing the historical principle of "no taxation without representation" by ensuring that tariffs cannot be unilaterally imposed by the executive branch without legislative approval.
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