Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

This bill would narrow when a President can use “national security” to raise tariffs or quotas on imports. It limits actions to a small set of “covered” goods tied to the military, energy, or critical infrastructure, and shifts the lead on investigations to the Department of Defense, with the Department of Commerce supplying data when asked. Any proposed import action would only take effect if Congress approves it within 60 days. Each approved action would automatically end after 3 years.

It also creates an exclusion process run by the International Trade Commission so businesses can ask to be exempt from tariffs or quotas. When deciding, the Commission must consider things like whether the item is available in the U.S., whether denying an exclusion would cause severe economic harm, the impact on consumer prices for low- and middle-income families, effects on U.S. manufacturing and critical projects, and risks of a company gaining too much market power. The Commission must publish clear procedures, and an annual audit by the Government Accountability Office will review the process. Within 18 months of any action, the Commission must report to Congress on how it affected the industry and the overall U.S. economy.

It also looks back at recent actions. Past actions from the last nine years must be resubmitted to Congress; those not approved would end 75 days after the law takes effect, and duty rates would revert to prior levels, with possible refunds for importers. Some provisions apply to proposed actions dating back six years before the law takes effect.

• Who is affected:
  • The President, Department of Defense, and Department of Commerce (how investigations and decisions are made)
  • The International Trade Commission and Government Accountability Office (new duties)
  • Importers, manufacturers, and consumers (due to potential exclusions and price impacts)
• What changes:
  • Limits actions to “covered” goods tied to national security needs
  • Requires Congress to approve any action within 60 days
  • Sets a 3‑year limit on each approved action
  • Creates an exclusion process with clear criteria and transparency
• When:
  • Applies after enactment, with some parts reaching back to proposed actions from the last 6 years
  • Past actions from the last 9 years must be approved or end after 75 days; duty rates would roll back, with possible refunds