Senators Call for Reins on Tariff Powers

Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of (STABLE) Trade Policy Act, aiming to limit the president’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally on U.S. allies and free trade agreement (FTA) partners.

The bill, introduced ahead of President Donald Trump’s anticipated tariffs on Canada and Mexico, seeks to reinstate congressional oversight over trade policy. Currently, the president can impose tariffs on any nation under authorities granted by Congress to address national security threats and international economic emergencies. The STABLE Trade Policy Act would require congressional approval before implementing new tariffs on allied nations.

“Congress gave the president the authority to impose tariffs so that he could combat our enemies in the event of a national security crisis, not so that he could pursue grudges against our allies and neighbors. If the president is going abuse this power to bully and coerce our allies, Congress should take this authority back,” said Senator Coons.

The bill’s introduction coincides with Trump’s pledge to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, which collectively accounted for nearly one-third of all U.S. imports last year. The tariffs are expected to drive up prices on gasoline, automobiles, groceries, and home goods.

If passed, the STABLE Trade Policy Act would require the president to justify tariff proposals to Congress, explaining why diplomacy or alternative measures could not resolve trade issues. Additionally, the president would need to assess the economic and foreign policy implications before implementing new tariffs. The bill preserves the executive branch’s authority to impose safeguard tariffs against unfair trade practices but limits broader tariff actions.

Kaine also recently introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act, which would further restrict the president’s ability to impose tariffs under emergency economic powers.

The full bill text is available here.