Urgent Action Needed to Rein in Presidential Tariff Powers

I am writing to express deep concern over the continuing instability of Trump’s sweeping tariff plans. The letters he sent out earlier this week continue the escalation of trade tensions with key global partners which started with his “Liberation Day” announcements. These measures, including a blanket 10% tariff on all imports and punitive rates as high as 145% on Chinese goods, have already triggered retaliatory tariffs, destabilized markets, and inflicted serious harm on American businesses and consumers. The economic fallout has been swift and severe. The S&P 500 lost $2.4 trillion in market value in a single day, marking the worst plunge since the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are struggling to absorb unpredictable costs, and consumers are facing rising prices across the board. While the White House has temporarily scaled back tariffs to a uniform 10% for 90 days (excluding China), the damage is already being felt—and the threat of further escalation looms large. Beyond the economic consequences, I am alarmed by the constitutional implications of these actions. The Constitution clearly grants Congress—not the president—the authority to impose tariffs under Article I, Section 8. Yet, through broad interpretations of statutes like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the executive branch has claimed sweeping powers to regulate trade unilaterally, often without investigation, transparency, or accountability. Congress must act to restore its constitutional role in trade policy and prevent future abuses of emergency powers. I urge you to support legislation that: -Requires congressional approval for any new tariffs imposed under emergency powers. -Limits the duration of unilateral tariffs unless extended by Congress. -Clarifies and narrows the scope of statutes like IEEPA to prevent misuse. Trade policy should be deliberate, transparent, and accountable—not dictated by executive fiat. I ask you to stand up for the Constitution, for American businesses, and for the economic well-being of your constituents.