WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the next Congress takes shape following President Trump’s electoral victory and Republican control of both the Senate and House being solidified, there is likely to be a tectonic shift in US trade policy.
Considering the disparate impact of tariffs on consumers, the Consumer Choice Center believes that the United States should guard against unilateral and unchecked presidential authority when imposing new costs on American consumers.
One method of ensuring the people’s voices are heard can be found in Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) bill, entitled the No Taxation Without Representation Act, which would require congressional approval for any tariff or duty imposed by the Executive Branch.
Yaël Ossowski, deputy director at the Consumer Choice Center, said of Paul’s bill:
“Tariffs are taxes on consumers. Imposed costs on importers or domestic producers will always lead to higher prices for consumers already struggling with the lagging effects of inflation. If major levies and tariffs are due to impact consumers, accountability for those new costs should be localized and be approved by elected representatives to Congress”
Sen. Paul’s bill would require the President to send tariff proposals to Congress, and then be passed by joint resolution.
“This bill restores the will and voice of the people in setting policies that will impact their daily lives and disposable income. It’s consistent with the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers that make America uniquely democratic and prosperous,” concluded Ossowski.
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The Consumer Choice Center is an independent, nonpartisan consumer advocacy group championing the benefits of freedom of choice, innovation, and abundance in everyday life for consumers in over 100 countries. We closely monitor regulatory trends in Washington, Brussels, Ottawa, Brasilia, London, and Geneva.
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