NRF Backs Bills That Would Raise Congressional Oversight of Import Tariffs

CTA declined comment Tuesday on legislation in the House and Senate and backed by the National Retail Federation that would boost congressional oversight of U.S. Trade Representative decisions to impose or hike import tariffs, including Section 301 duties of the type now in effect on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. House Ways and Means Committee member Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., introduced the measure (HR-3477) Tuesday as a companion to S-899 introduced in March by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. “The time has come for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over trade,” said Murphy. “Imposing tariffs without a concrete strategy is harming American families, consumers, and businesses, and it’s undermining longstanding relationships with our allies.” Murphy is the lawmaker who confronted USTR Robert Lighthizer at a Ways and Means hearing in February with questions about a tech firm constituent she said had been “upended” by the List 3 tariffs (see 1902280010). Her legislation would require USTR to report to Congress on the goals and strategy behind proposed tariff actions, and Congress would be able to block the tariffs through a joint resolution of disapproval, subject to presidential veto. “We agree with the need to deliver fair and balanced trade deals, but taxing Americans isn’t the answer -- especially without a single vote from Congress,” said David French, NRF senior vice president-government relations. USTR didn't comment Wednesday. The proposed List 4 tariffs run afoul of the 1974 Trade Act, because neither sections 301 nor 307 "authorizes the additional $300 billion in List 4 tariffs," commented CTA last week (see 1906180038).