Reforming the President's Authority to Impose Tariffs Unilaterally

Last year, President Donald Trump used the power delegated to him by Congress in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum. He is considering similar action for automobiles, auto parts and uranium. His efforts have sparked opposition in Congress. In the 116th Congress, Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Pat Toomey (R-Penn.) have introduced competing bills that would alter the process for changing tariff rates under Section 232. Philip Wallach and I review both bills here.