Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

This bill would make it harder to raise import taxes (tariffs) in the name of national security without Congress agreeing first. The President would have to send a detailed tariff plan to the U.S. International Trade Commission, then ask Congress for approval, along with a Defense Department explanation and an economic impact report, before new tariffs could take effect. There is a narrow emergency option: the President could put temporary tariffs in place for up to 120 days to handle an urgent threat or emergency, like protecting lives or national security, but longer use would still need Congress’s OK.

It also adds guardrails when the U.S. Trade Representative wants to set tariffs or other import limits under trade laws. They would need to share a proposal with the Trade Commission, notify Congress, wait 60 days, and Congress could vote to stop it if it’s not in the national interest.

• Who is affected: importers, manufacturers, farmers, and shoppers who can see prices change when tariffs go up or down.
• What changes: more review and a public impact check before tariffs tied to national security; a short-term emergency option up to 120 days; and a clearer process for trade actions that Congress can block .
• When: if passed, these rules would apply to future tariff decisions.