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No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2025

4/17/2025, 3:08 AM

Summary of Bill S 1293

Bill 119 s 1293, also known as the "Congressional Approval of Import Duties Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to give Congress the authority to approve any duties imposed by the President on imported goods entering the United States. Currently, the President has the power to unilaterally impose tariffs and duties on imported articles without seeking approval from Congress.

The bill seeks to change this by requiring the President to obtain approval from Congress before imposing any new duties on imported goods. This would ensure that any decisions regarding tariffs and duties are made in a more transparent and democratic manner, with input from elected representatives.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent the President from unilaterally imposing tariffs that could harm American consumers and businesses. They believe that giving Congress a say in the decision-making process will lead to more thoughtful and well-informed trade policies. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it could hinder the President's ability to respond quickly to changing economic conditions and threats to national security. They believe that the President should have the flexibility to impose tariffs when necessary to protect American industries. Overall, Bill 119 s 1293 raises important questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches when it comes to trade policy. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it could have on future trade relations with other countries.

Congressional Summary of S 1293

No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2025

This bill requires the President to receive congressional approval in order to impose a duty (i.e., tariff) on articles imported into the United States.

Specifically, the President may impose a duty on an article imported into the United States only if (1) the President submits to Congress a proposal to impose the duty that includes a rationale for imposing the duty, and (2) a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law.

The bill applies to specified statutory authorities, such as the Tariff Act of 1930 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and other provisions of law (e.g., trade agreements).

Therefore, for example, the bill requires the President to receive congressional approval before imposing tariffs under IEEPA. (IEEPA provides the President with broad authority to regulate various economic transactions following a declaration of a national emergency. In 2025, President Donald J. Trump invoked IEEPA to impose tariffs on imports from almost all U.S. trading partners. Several lawsuits challenging the President's legal authority to impose tariffs under IEEPA are ongoing.)

Current Status of Bill S 1293

Bill S 1293 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 3, 2025. Bill S 1293 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on April 3, 2025.  Bill S 1293's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of April 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1293

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1293

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1293

A bill to require the approval of Congress for the President to impose duties on the importation of articles into the United States.
A bill to require the approval of Congress for the President to impose duties on the importation of articles into the United States.

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