Reciprocal tariffs affecting numerous countries will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9.
A contingent of House Democrats has initiated a move to compel a vote on a resolution aimed at obstructing President Donald Trump’s worldwide reciprocal tariffs.
On April 8, Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), and Richard Neal (D-Mass.) introduced
the legislation, which seeks to invalidate
the emergency powers cited by Trump for the imposition of the tariffs.
The resolution has garnered the support of an additional 23 co-sponsors, with the timing of the vote yet to be determined.
“In enacting these tariffs, Trump has imposed the largest and most regressive tax in modern history, triggered the most significant stock market decline since COVID, and is putting the world at risk of a recession,” they stated in
a statement.
“These tariffs act as a sales tax on American families, inflating prices on everything from groceries to automobiles.”
Meeks and his fellow Democratic members argue that Trump lacks the emergency authority to impose the tariffs.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House for a response regarding the disapproval resolution. President Trump is expected to veto this measure should it clear Congress.
Reciprocal tariffs on approximately 60 countries and trade groups will become effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 9. China will face the
highest tariffs, escalating to 104 percent after China declined Trump’s request to retract its retaliatory tariffs.
Last week, universal 10 percent tariffs were put into
effect on most nations.
Recently, the Senate
approved a disapproval resolution aimed at terminating Trump’s tariffs on Canada, with four Republicans joining all Democrats in support. This includes a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods and a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy imports. The House is unlikely to address this measure.
House Republicans recently
blocked a similar resolution through procedural tactics.
On April 7, Trump asserted that there would be no halt to the tariffs.
Congressional Republicans have primarily supported Trump’s position.
“The president excels as a dealmaker and will continue to negotiate individually with each country,” said Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).
“We’ve been losing jobs consistently. Farmers desire a fair arrangement for our products, both in Canada and Mexico, as well as the [European Union].”
However, concerns have also surfaced among Republicans.
“Tariffs are akin to whiskey: a little can be enjoyable, but too much can lead to undesirable outcomes,” remarked Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.).
This month, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced
legislation allowing tariffs imposed by the president to remain effective after 60 days only if Congress grants approval.
The administration opposed this bill in an April 7
statement, claiming it “would significantly hinder the president’s ability to shape our foreign policy and safeguard our national security.”
In the three days following the announcement of the tariffs, the stock market experienced a downturn before rebounding on Tuesday.
President Trump has enacted tariffs on imports to mitigate the nation’s trade deficit and enhance domestic manufacturing. Acknowledging the stock market’s decline in reaction to the tariffs, Trump stated earlier this week, “Sometimes, you need to take medicine to resolve an issue.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
