NTU urges all Senators to vote “YES” on the Corker-Toomey-Flake Motion to Instruct conferees to H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019. This motion would instruct Senate conference managers to include language providing a role for Congress under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, thereby increasing Congressional oversight before a President adjusts imports that are determined to threaten or impair national security.
Ongoing trade uncertainty and harsh new tariffs are a serious threat to consumers and the economy that threaten to undermine the growth generated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Already, agriculture exports like soy and dairy have experienced massive losses that could hurt the agriculture sector. The cost of automobiles, both those imported and assembled in the U.S., could soar by an added $1,262 to $5,089. Numerous industries, such as boat and farm implement manufacturers have also seen tariffs increase costs, eroding their profitability. This pain promises to grow worse - and to spread to all corners of the economy and family budgets.
Congress needs to take urgent action to stabilize our precarious trade environment and reduce the misuse of alleged national security threats for costly, protectionist ends. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to impose tariffs and regulate foreign commerce, appropriately balancing power between the legislative and executive branches. This is an essential power that Congress should use to prevent damaging trade policies that could hurt our economy, farmers, American workers, and consumers.
Roll call votes on this motion to H.R. 5895 will be heavily-weighted in our annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.