For more information on pursuing trade policy interests through the legislative process, please contact Nicole Bivens Collinson at (202) 730-4956 or via email.
Tariffs. The Senate approved April 2 by a 51-48 vote (with four Republicans voting in favor) S.J.Res. 37, which would terminate the national emergency declared Feb. 1 regarding cross-border immigration and shipments of fentanyl that currently provides the legal basis for the 25 percent tariffs (10 percent for energy products) being assessed on imports from Canada that do not qualify for duty-free treatment under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement.
The Trade Review Act (S. 1272, introduced April 3 by Sens. Cantwell, D-Wash., and Grassley, R-Iowa) would require the president to notify Congress of a new or increased tariff (except antidumping and countervailing duties) within 48 hours of its imposition and to include in that notification the reason for such action and an analysis of the impact on U.S. businesses and consumers. Such tariffs would expire 60 days after imposition unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval. Congress would also have the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
The No Taxation Without Representation Act (S. 1293, introduced April 3 by Sen. Paul, R-Ky.) would only allow the president to impose new import tariffs if (1) he/she submits a formal justification to Congress and (2) Congress passes legislation approving it. This requirement would apply to tariffs enacted under the Tariff Act of 1930, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trading with the Enemy Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, laws enacted to implement trade agreements involving the U. S., and any other U.S. customs and trade laws and trade agreements.
Trade data. The Manifest Modernization Act (S. 1259, introduced April 2 by Sens. Cassidy, R-La., and Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and H.R. 2653, introduced April 3 by Reps. Schweikert, R-Ariz., and Doggett, D-Texas) would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the public disclosure of manifest information for imports that arrive via aircraft, truck, or rail.
Free trade zones. The Containing and Limiting Extensive Abuse Noticed in Free Trade Zones Act (S. 1291, introduced April 3 by Sens. Cassidy, R-La., and Whitehouse, D-R.I.) would identify and evaluate the compliance of foreign free trade zones with international standards. Specifically, this bill would (1) create a formal rating system with four classifications of countries based on compliance with U.S. and international standards, (2) give countries an overall rating based on the performance of all free trade zones under their national jurisdiction, (3) make the ratings publicly available and update them annually, (4) allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to make recommendations to improve efforts to combat illicit trade to countries rated tier II, III, and IV, (5) create a hotline for reporting instances of illicit trading and money laundering activity, and (6) provide financial penalty options for foreign persons involved in illicit international trade.
Trade agenda. The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing April 8 on President Trump’s 2025 trade policy agenda. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to testify.
USTR. S. 1265 (introduced April 2 by Sen. Gallego, D-Ariz.) would establish an inspector general of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Exports. The Protecting American Households from Rising Energy Costs Act (S. 1274, introduced April 3 by Sen. Merkley, D-Ore.) would prohibit the export of liquefied natural gas and petroleum products to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
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