House Republicans clear path for Trump to act on tariff plans
House Republicans have introduced a new bill to pave the way for President Donald Trump to implement his ambitious tariff plans. The U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act, reintroduced by first-term Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., would grant Trump the authority to take unilateral action on import taxes from both allies and adversaries. While Trump would be required to inform Congress of his decisions, lawmakers could potentially challenge these moves by filing a joint resolution of disapproval.
In a statement, Rep. Moore emphasized the need to address the decline of American manufacturing under what he describes as a “globalist system.” He credited President Trump as the first national politician to recognize this issue, campaign on it, and actively work to reverse the trend. Moore believes that the U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act will provide the executive branch with the leverage necessary to advocate for American interests and negotiate tariff reductions on U.S. goods.
President Trump has long championed the Reciprocal Trade Act, pledging to collaborate with Congress to pass the legislation. In a campaign video from 2023, Trump outlined the potential outcomes of the act, stating that other countries would have to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods or face significant financial penalties. The President sees this as a means for the United States to generate substantial revenue and level the playing field in international trade.
Recently, Trump announced his intention to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports as part of his efforts to address the national debt, which currently exceeds $36 trillion. He accused China of trafficking fentanyl to Mexico and Canada, prompting the proposed tariff. During his campaign, Trump had promised even higher tariffs on Chinese goods and those from other trading partners.
In addition to tariff measures, Trump has proposed the creation of an “External Revenue Service” to collect foreign funds from tariffs and duties. The President has received support for his tariff policies from House Republicans, including former lead sponsor of the U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act, ex-Rep. Sean Duffy, who Trump recently nominated for Secretary of Transportation.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm for tariffs, not everyone is convinced of their benefits. Some economists caution that widespread tariffs could increase costs for consumers and potentially trigger a recession. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., has introduced a measure to prevent Trump from using unilateral tariff powers by declaring a trade emergency, citing concerns about the negative impact on American workers, farmers, and businesses.
In conclusion, the U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act represents a significant policy initiative aimed at reshaping America’s trade relationships. While Trump and his supporters believe in the potential economic benefits of tariffs, critics warn of the risks involved. The debate over the effectiveness of tariffs in boosting the U.S. economy is likely to continue as the bill makes its way through Congress.
