TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges you to cosponsor the “Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act” introduced by Senators Pat Toomey and Mark Warner. This bipartisan legislation would reaffirm the proper constitutional role of Congress in tariff policy by requiring Congressional approval of tariffs designated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Members who cosponsor this legislation will receive credit for the Leadership component of the Chamber’s “How They Voted,” scorecard.
Prior application of Section 232 tariffs has inflicted substantial harm on U.S. workers and consumers in every state, raising costs for U.S. manufacturers and eliciting foreign retaliation that has depressed American industrial and agricultural exports. The imposition of these tariffs on many of America’s closest allies has also undermined U.S. efforts to build an international coalition of like-minded countries to combat the use of unfair trade practices.
Congress should defend its Article I powers and insist on a formal role in the Sec. 232 process, allowing members to vote on the application of tariffs.
The Chamber urges the Senate to support American jobs and restore Congressional constitutional authority over tariff policy by supporting the “Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act.”
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
