House Democrats are currently working on a bill to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from implementing his proposed tariff plans shortly before he assumes office. The bill, spearheaded by Reps. Suzan DelBene of Washington and Don Beyer of Virginia, with support from 11 other Democrats, aims to block Trump from utilizing emergency presidential powers to enforce higher import taxes.
During his campaign, Trump had pledged to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and up to 20% on products from other U.S. trading partners. He recently announced plans on Truth Social to establish an 'External Revenue Service' to manage tariffs, duties, and revenue from foreign sources.
Proponents of Trump's tariff strategy, including Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, argue that it would enhance American manufacturing and restrict countries like China from relying on exports to boost their economies.
Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the president theoretically has the authority to impose broad tariffs without congressional approval by declaring a national emergency.
However, Democrats contend that the burden of these tariffs would ultimately be borne by American consumers. DelBene emphasized that high tariffs could escalate domestic costs, potentially triggering an economic downturn and inviting retaliatory measures that would harm American workers, farmers, and businesses.
Beyer criticized Trump's tariff proposals, labeling them as an abuse of emergency powers that would inflate prices for Americans. On the other hand, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, a moderate Democrat, introduced a separate bill proposing a universal 10% tariff on all imports. This tariff rate would be reviewed annually, with a possible 5% adjustment based on prevailing U.S. economic conditions.
Golden justified his universal tariff plan as part of a broader strategy to shift the U.S. economy away from consumerism towards a focus on domestic production, innovation, and support for energy production, unions, and manufacturing.
