STABLE Trade Policy Act
Sponsored By: Senator Christopher Coons
Introduced
Summary
Would require Congress to approve any new or higher tariffs on imports from U.S. allies and free‑trade partners. It would force the President to submit a formal request explaining the objective, why diplomacy or other tools are insufficient, and the likely effects before such tariffs could be proclaimed.
Show full summary
- Who is covered: NATO members, countries designated major non‑NATO allies under the Foreign Assistance Act, and countries that have a U.S. free trade agreement.
- Scope of duties: Applies to duties proclaimed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, Section 338 of the Tariff Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Presidential requirements: The President would have to provide a request to Congress that describes the objective, explains why other mechanisms cannot achieve it, and assesses likely impacts on U.S. foreign policy, national security, the U.S. economy, and relevant industry sectors.
- Congressional role and timing: A joint resolution of approval that becomes law would be required. That resolution may be introduced in either House during a 15‑legislative‑day window and would use expedited procedures under the Trade Act of 1974.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Limits on tariffs for allies and partners
This bill would limit the President's power to impose new or higher tariffs on imports from certain U.S. allies and free trade partners. It would call a "covered country" any NATO member, any major non‑NATO ally, or any country with an in‑effect U.S. free trade agreement. It would treat tariffs under section 232, section 338, the Trading with the Enemy Act, and IEEPA as "covered duties." The President would have to send Congress a request explaining the objective, why diplomacy or trade dispute tools won't work, and the expected foreign policy, national security, economic, and industry impacts. A tariff could only take effect if a joint resolution with specified text is introduced within 15 legislative days and is enacted into law under expedited procedures.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Christopher Coons
DE • D
Cosponsors
Timothy Kaine
VA • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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