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Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance released a statement marking his opposition to the nomination of Jamieson Greer for US Trade Representative prior to the committee approving his nomination by a 16-11 vote. Democratic lawmakers across Washington have been making stern statements as the new Administration sets to dismember the administrative state, though it should be noted the approval for Secretary of State Marco Rubio's nomination was unanimous.
According to the Proclamation on Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States, issued by President Donald J. Trump on February 10, 2025, the administration has reinstated and expanded the 25% ad valorem tariff on imported steel and derivative steel products. The proclamation cites national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, and asserts that steel imports “are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.”
Two Democratic Senators have introduced legislation aimed at limiting the president’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally on U.S. allies and free trade agreement (FTA) partners. The Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act seeks to reinstate congressional oversight over trade policy, requiring congressional approval before implementing new tariffs on allied nations.