Rep. Courtney Pushes Bipartisan Bill to Stop President Trump’s Back-and-Forth Trade War
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement on the bipartisan Trade Review Act (HR 2665) following President Trump’s latest trade war announcement.
“President Trump is perpetrating a trade war that is wreaking havoc on consumers and businesses – and he’s doing so by abusing powers Congress extended to the Executive Branch decades ago. I'm joining my Republican colleague from Nebraska, Don Bacon, to reclaim Congress’ authorities so we can put an end to the President’s back-and-forth trade war that is raising costs for Americans, draining retirement accounts, and hurting our allies more than our adversaries.”
Background on the Trade Review Act:
The bill establishes a process for Congressional review of new or increased tariffs (duties) imposed by the President. Specifically, it would:
- Require the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing a duty on imported goods, including an explanation and an assessment of its impact on U.S. businesses and consumers.
- Limit the duration of such duties to 60 days, unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval to extend them.
- Allow Congress to end the duty early by passing a joint resolution of disapproval.
- Exclude antidumping and countervailing duties, which are governed by other statutes.
- Provide expedited procedures in Congress for considering resolutions of approval or disapproval.
Overall, the bill increases Congressional oversight over the executive branch’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs.