Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.jres49 - Terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. (119th Congress)

Summary

This document is a joint resolution (S.J. Res. 49) introduced in the Senate during the 119th Congress. It aims to terminate the national emergency declared by the President on April 2, 2025, through 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 basis for terminating the emergency.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this joint resolution would end the national emergency that authorized the imposition of global tariffs. Consequently, the tariffs implemented under Executive Order 14257 would likely be removed or significantly altered. This could lead to changes in international trade relationships and the prices of imported goods.

Potential Benefits

  • Potentially lower costs for consumers due to the removal of tariffs.
  • Improved relationships with trading partners.
  • Reduced burden on businesses that rely on imported goods.
  • Restoration of normal trade relations and predictability in the market.
  • Reassertion of Congressional authority over trade policy.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential negative impact on domestic industries that benefited from the tariffs.
  • Possible job losses in sectors that were protected by the tariffs.
  • Risk of increased imports flooding the market, potentially harming domestic producers.
  • Uncertainty during the transition period as businesses adjust to the removal of tariffs.
  • Geopolitical implications if the tariffs were used as leverage in trade negotiations.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution invokes Section 202 of the National Emergencies Act, indicating an attempt to adhere to existing legal frameworks for terminating a declared national emergency. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. This resolution can be seen as Congress reasserting its authority over trade policy, which aligns with its constitutional mandate.

However, the initial declaration of a national emergency to impose tariffs by the President could be viewed as an overreach of executive power, potentially infringing upon Congress's authority over trade. The resolution seeks to correct this perceived imbalance.

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).