Press Releases

Today, Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), and Don Bacon (NE-02) in introducing the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act, legislation that would eliminate President Trump’s most recent tariffs while providing retroactive relief to importers harmed by his trade policies. This bill will refund tariffs to importers who paid duties and prevent the President from reissuing similar tariffs.

This bill strikes down the 10% tariffs issued by President Trump under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. It requires that importers are reimbursed and prohibits the issuance of successive similar tariffs. By doing so, the bill provides relief to importers from blanket global tariffs and prevents the Administration from illegally issuing similar tariffs.

Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15 percent tariff for balance of payments, which was created when the U.S. dollar was on the gold standard. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in February negating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy tariffs, the Trump administration has imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports to address “balance of payments.” Since the U.S. no longer operates on the Gold Standard, there is no legal justification for using this authority.

“Families and businesses have suffered the brunt of the consequences of President Trump’s reckless tariff policy,” said Rep. DelBene. “Despite a clear ruling from the Supreme Court, the president has continued to implement his misguided tariffs, raising prices for consumers and businesses. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines any longer, which is why I’m supporting this bipartisan bill to put a stop to these harmful tariffs and assert Congress’s authority over trade.”

“American consumers and businesses have shouldered the consequences of President Trump’s illegal and incoherent tariff policy,” said Rep. Panetta. “My legislation would lift the most recent across-the-board tariffs under Section 122 and make whole those who have been harmed. Although Congress abdicated its Constitutional obligations for trade policy over the past few decades, it’s past time for us to reclaim our authority from the executive branch not just with lawsuits, but with legislation.”

“President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs are a clear attempt to sidestep Congress and reimpose his failed tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down,” said Rep. Sánchez. “I am proud to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act to strike down these new tariffs and give needed relief to the American families who have suffered from higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariff regime.”

“Article One, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution gives Congress authority over tariffs and trade, and it’s time Congress stands on its own two feet and does its job,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act as a step toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. Across-the-board tariffs like these raise costs for families and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.”

Representatives Donald Beyer (VA-08), Teri Sewell (AL-07), and Bradley Schneider (IL-10) also joined the bill as original co-sponsors.

Full text of the bill is available here.