Representative Gregory W. Meeks, the esteemed Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has taken a bold step by introducing Resolutions designed to dismantle President Donald Trump‘s contentious invocation of “emergency” authorities to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. These Resolutions aim to curb what many see as a troubling misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This powerful tool has been manipulated to justify tariffs under the guise of a fabricated national emergency.
“The Administration’s 25% tariffs on two of our closest allies and largest trading partners are nothing more than a tax on American families—driving up prices, killing jobs, and threatening our economy. This isn’t what Americans voted for. Trump has already broken his promise to lower costs, and these tariffs will only make it worse. My resolutions will end this sham emergency and protect American consumers,” said Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks.
The Resolutions have garnered support from a distinguished group of co-sponsors, including Representatives Richard Neal, the influential Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee; Joaquin Castro, the dedicated Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee; Rick Larsen, a key figure as the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; as well as Suzan DelBene and Greg Stanton, who stand together in this crucial effort. PDFs of the two Resolutions can be found here and here.
“With his feckless tariffs, the President gave every American $1,000 pay cut over night and is treating some of our closest allies like adversaries. His trade war is fueling higher costs for the people and raises the question of whether the United States can be trusted to keep its word. No amount of delusion makes the math work for these tariffs to responsibly fund Republican handouts to billionaires, but the American people will notice the pain he’s inflicting on their bottom line, which is why only Congress should have the authority to impose tariffs. Reigning in the President’s authority is a matter of national security and how put our economy first,” said Ranking Member Richard Neal.
“My state of Texas does more trade with Mexico than any other state in the nation. President Trump’s tariffs will be devastating to our economy – raising the price of groceries, gasoline, and the other staples that my constituents depend on. The United States needs to be strategic about working with our neighbours to stem the tide of fentanyl and other drugs instead of recklessly imposing tariffs that hurt our own citizens. I am glad to join Ranking Member Meeks on this resolution and I hope our Republican colleagues will join us to protect American jobs and American families from destructive tariffs,” said Ranking Member Joaquin Castro.
“For a president who says he wants to lower costs, this President is taking more actions to raise prices on everyday items that local families need and doing nothing to lower costs. As the representative of a district that borders Canada, I have heard from constituents across the region about the damage caused by trade wars. I support Ranking Member Meeks’ resolutions to terminate President Trump’s claimed authority to impose these tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Securing the borders and protecting communities from fentanyl are serious challenges that require serious, collaborative solutions,” said Rep. Rick Larsen.
“Trump’s trade war is jacking up prices for families at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy counter. These tariffs represent the largest tax increase on American families in a generation, and no president should be able to raise taxes without a vote in Congress. This is particularly threatening to Washington’s economy where 4-in-10 jobs are tied to trade and our supply chains are deeply linked with Canada. Republicans are silent on Trump’s executive overreach while Americans foot the bill. This resolution will make clear to working families if Republicans stand with them or will continue rolling over for Donald Trump,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene.
“Let’s call these tariffs what they are: a tax increase on Americans. Families will pay more out of pocket for groceries and businesses will eat more into their bottom line to cover higher costs – not to mention the tens of thousands of Arizona jobs supported by cross-border commerce that are now at risk. Not only does this not make sense from an economic standpoint, it’s short-sighted foreign policy. We do more business with Mexico than we do with any other nation, including China. To win the economic competition with China, we should be building closer relationships with our North American allies instead of pushing them away. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution to block Trump’s abuse of presidential power and give relief to American families.” said Rep. Greg Stanton.
At the heart of this legislative push lies the legal framework of IEEPA, which is governed by the National Emergencies Act. This Act allows Congress to introduce a Privileged Resolution to revoke the emergency powers, ensuring that such authority is checked. Notably, the resolution must be presented to the House for a decisive floor vote within a tight timeframe of just 15 days, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this critical issue.
