Today, Congressman John Curtis (R-UT), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after introducing the Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019 with a group of bipartisan legislators. The bill would require the president to submit to Congress any proposal to adjust imports in the interest of national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate. “I am a firm believer that Congress has a pivotal role to play in determining America’s trade policies. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that would require the President to obtain Congressional approval on any proposal to adjust imports in the interest of national security. It also allows the Defense Department a greater role in the process,” said Curtis. “I consistently hear from my constituents that they’re concerned about the possible ways that tariffs may negatively affect their businesses and result in more expensive products for Utah families. This bill ensures their priorities will be incorporated.” Background Under the new bill, Members of Congress have a 60-day period following submission to review the president’s proposal. A joint resolution to approve the proposal would qualify for expedited consideration in both chambers. The requirement would apply to all future Section 232 actions, in addition to those taken within the last four years. The bill would restore the national security intent behind Section 232 by transferring national security investigatory authority from the Department of Commerce to the Department of the Defense. Click here for a copy of the legislation. In November of last year, Rep. Curtis held a trade conference with Utahns and local business leaders to outline his vision for a responsible trade policy and his views on tariffs, including seven tariff alternatives. Click here to read more. National groups that support the bill: American Apparel & Footwear Association, American Beverage Association, American Chemistry Council, American Commitment, American Exploration & Production Council, American International Automobile Dealers Association, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Associated Equipment Distributors, Association for Print Technologies, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Association of Global Automakers, Auto Care Association, Beer Institute, Campaign for Liberty, Can Manufacturers Institute, Center for Freedom and Prosperity, Club for Growth, Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Digital Liberty Farmers for Free Trade, Flexible Packaging Association, Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Here for America, Heritage Action for America, Industrial Fasteners Institute, LNG Allies, Midwest Food Products Association, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, National Confectioners Association, National Foreign Trade Council, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Retail Federation, National Taxpayers Union, National Tooling and Machining Association, Niskanen Center, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, North American Die Casting Association, Pet Food Institute, Precious Metals Association of North America, Precision Machined Products Association, Precision Metalforming Association, Printing Industries of America, R Street Institute, Secure America’s Future Economy, Specialty Equipment Market Association, Taxpayers Protection Alliance, & U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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