1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

The Constitution vests Congress with the power to regulate foreign commerce and implement tariffs. Over time, Congress has gradually ceded this authority to the executive branch through various laws. The president is now using an expansive interpretation of laws like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs, going far beyond their original intent for emergencies. This undermines the system of checks and balances and concentrates too much power in the presidency. While tariffs can be a legitimate policy tool, their widespread and unilateral use by the president risks destabilizing trade relationships, inflating consumer costs, and damaging the economy. The recent retaliatory tariffs from China exemplify the potential for escalating trade wars that could have severe consequences. Congress should reassert its Constitutional role by requiring the president to justify tariffs and giving lawmakers the ability to reject economically harmful and unwarranted tariff actions within a reasonable timeframe. Rebalancing this authority would uphold the separation of powers and ensure tariffs are implemented judiciously after full consideration of their impacts.