Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander joined 17 of her colleagues in demanding that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson immediately take up the bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate last month to end President Trump’s global trade war and restore congressional authority over tariffs.
Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes and tariffs, not the President. Last month, the Senate passed a series of bipartisan resolutions to overturn the Trump Administration’s tariffs, which have worsened our nation’s affordability crisis, driven up costs for consumers, and posed an existential threat to our nation’s small businesses.
Read Congresswoman Goodlander’s full letter to Speaker Johnson HERE and below:
Dear Speaker Johnson,
We urge you to allow for consideration of the three bipartisan resolutions that passed the Senate during the week of October 27th, which would terminate national emergencies declared by the Trump Administration to impose tariffs on Brazil, Canada, and numerous other countries. As these tariffs, which are likely illegal, continue to make life more expensive for workers, families, farmers, and small businesses, we have heard repeated calls from our constituents to take action to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s chaotic trade policies. Our constituents elected us to work on behalf of the American people, but prior to yesterday, you chose to keep the House in an unprecedented recess for nearly eight weeks straight. Now that you have finally ended this protracted recess, we implore you to allow for swift action to repeal these harmful tariffs.
As you know, the Senate passed S.J.Res.81, S.J.Res.77, and S.J.Res.88 with bipartisan support. These resolutions would undo the tariffs President Trump has placed on Brazil, Canada, and other global trading partners, consistent with Congress’ constitutional authority to levy new taxes. While the Senate has reasserted its constitutional authority, under your leadership, the House has ceded control to the President and abdicated its responsibility to the American people. Although you have blocked any similar resolutions from coming to the floor under privileged consideration through March 2026, we urge you to reconsider your position as these tariffs threaten to ravage the American economy. It is essential that each member of Congress has the opportunity to show their constituents where they stand on this critical issue and that is only possible if you allow for a vote on the House floor.
As the federal government emerges from the longest shutdown in history – due to Republicans’ refusal to protect health care for millions of Americans – it is time to show the American people that we are serious about lowering costs. President Trump’s tariffs are causing chaos in the economy and exacerbating the affordability crisis facing our country today. We cannot afford to wait any longer to take action. You have the opportunity to take a concrete step toward ending this manufactured crisis by allowing these bipartisan resolutions to come to the House floor. We urge you to do so expeditiously.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
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