H.R. 2712: Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025, proposes to limit the President's authority to modify import duty rates on goods for national security reasons and to regulate the United States Trade Representative's ability to impose certain duties or import restrictions. Here are the main provisions outlined in the bill:

Limitation on Presidential Authority

The bill establishes new requirements that the President must follow when proposing new national security duties. Specifically:

• The President must notify the International Trade Commission (ITC) within 30 days of making a national security determination, providing details about the proposed duty, including the items affected, the proposed duty rate, and the duration of the duty.
• Within 15 days of notifying the ITC, the President must also submit a request for Congress's authorization to implement the duty. This request must include:
• A report from the Secretary of Defense explaining the necessity of the duty for national security.
• A report from the ITC assessing the economic impact of the proposal.
• The President is required to consult with relevant congressional committees about the proposal, including outlining the objectives and plans for engagement with affected countries.
• Congress must enact a joint resolution to approve the proposed duty for it to take effect.

Urgent Action Exception

The bill allows for an expedited process where the President can implement a national security duty without following the usual procedures for a period of 120 days if it is deemed urgent. Reasons for this urgent action could include:

• Addressing a national emergency.
• Preventing or responding to loss of life or property.
• Mitigating an imminent threat to health or safety.
• Enforcing criminal laws.
• National security concerns.

Regulations for the United States Trade Representative

The bill also modifies how the United States Trade Representative (USTR) can impose duties or other restrictions:

• Upon submission, the USTR must notify Congress and include an ITC economic impact report.
• The USTR is required to consult with relevant congressional committees, and if agricultural products are involved, additional agricultural committees are included.
• There is a waiting period of 60 days before any duties can be implemented, during which Congress can pass a disapproval resolution to block the proposal if deemed necessary.

Joint Resolution of Approval

A joint resolution of approval is defined in the bill, which outlines the procedure Congress must follow to approve the President's requested duties. It specifies that any member of Congress can introduce this resolution.

National Security Duty Definition

The bill defines a national security duty as any duty imposed under specific existing laws if the President identifies national security as a reason. This includes duties enacted under:

• The Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
• The Trading with the Enemy Act.
• The International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Relevant Companies

None found