Rep. Panetta Authors and Introduces the Bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act
Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act, which eliminates President Donald Trump’s most recent tariffs while providing retroactive relief to importers harmed by his trade policies. This bill, which is being co-led by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (CA-38), will refund 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.
“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.”
“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toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs.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.”
“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.”
President Trump’s most recent tariffs were improperly imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15% 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% 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.
This bill builds off Rep. Panetta’s Reclaim Trade Powers Act, which would strike Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The Stop Global Tariffs Act is cosponsored by: Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
Full text of the bill is available here.
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