Terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs.
Summary
This joint resolution aims to terminate the national emergency declared by the President on April 2, 2025, via Executive Order 14257, which was used to impose global tariffs. The resolution cites Section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) as the legal basis for terminating the emergency. If enacted, the resolution would effectively end the President's authority to impose tariffs under the declared national emergency.
The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 17, 2026, by Mr. Meeks and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. It requires passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to become effective.
The core purpose is to revert trade policy to its pre-emergency state, potentially impacting various sectors dependent on or affected by the tariffs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this resolution, if passed, would be the removal of the global tariffs imposed under the declared national emergency. This would likely lead to changes in trade relationships and potentially affect the prices of imported goods.
Businesses that rely on imported materials or export goods could see adjustments in their costs and revenues. The resolution could also impact international relations, as the removal of tariffs might be viewed as a gesture of goodwill or a shift in trade policy.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced costs for businesses that import goods subject to the tariffs.
- Increased competitiveness for American exporters in global markets.
- Improved trade relations with countries affected by the tariffs.
- Potential for lower consumer prices on goods that incorporate imported materials.
- Reassertion of Congressional authority over trade policy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption to domestic industries that benefited from tariff protection.
- Possible job losses in sectors that relied on tariffs to compete with foreign imports.
- Risk of retaliatory measures from other countries if the removal of tariffs is perceived as unfair.
- Uncertainty for businesses that made investment decisions based on the existence of the tariffs.
- Possible negative impact on government revenue if tariffs were a significant source of income.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the constitutional principle of separation of powers, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By terminating a national emergency declared by the President, Congress is reasserting its authority over trade policy.
The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622), cited in the resolution, provides a mechanism for Congress to terminate a declared national emergency, ensuring a check on executive power. This aligns with the Constitution's system of checks and balances.
The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).