Stop Raising Prices on Food Act

Summary

Limits the President’s ability to impose new or higher import duties on major agricultural trading partners by requiring a written request to Congress explaining the objective, why other options would not work, and the likely effect on the U.S. agricultural economy, and by requiring Congress to pass a specific joint resolution approving the request before the duty can be proclaimed. The measure defines key terms (like which countries and which duties are covered) and sets a procedure and timetable for congressional consideration; it does not create new spending or change the tax code.

Key Points

• Prevents the President from imposing new or higher import duties on defined major agricultural trading partners without Congress approving a written request.
• Requires the President to send a detailed written justification explaining objectives, why other options would fail, and expected effects on the U.S. agricultural economy.
• Makes a presidential proclamation of such duties conditional on Congress enacting a specific joint resolution that approves the request.
• Defines which countries and which duties are covered so the rule applies only to specified agricultural trading partners and specified tariff actions.
• Sets a procedure and timetable for congressional consideration of the required approval resolution.
• Does not create new spending, change taxes, or directly alter existing import duties already in place.
• Shifts decision-making power from the executive branch to Congress for certain tariff actions affecting agriculture.
• Could delay or reduce the likelihood of quickly imposed tariffs as a policy response to trade disputes involving agricultural partners.

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