Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, is taking a stand against tariffs and fighting for the restoration of congressional powers. He recently announced his plans to introduce a companion bill to the bipartisan Senate legislation, which aims to give Congress more control over tariffs.
Tariffs, or taxes on imported goods, have been a contentious issue in recent years, particularly with the current administration’s implementation of tariffs on a wide range of products. These tariffs have had a significant impact on the economy, with many industries and businesses feeling the strain. Representative Bacon, along with many other lawmakers, believes that it is time for Congress to have a stronger say in the decision-making process when it comes to tariffs.
In June, Republican Senator Pat Toomey and Democrat Senator Mark Warner introduced the “Bicameral Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019,” which aims to give Congress more oversight on tariffs imposed by the executive branch. The bill would require the President to submit any proposed tariffs to Congress for approval, and if they were not approved, they would not go into effect. This legislation aims to restore the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches when it comes to trade policies.
Representative Bacon’s companion bill in the House of Representatives is a crucial step in the fight to restore congressional powers over tariffs. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade, Representative Bacon is well-positioned to push this legislation forward. With his bipartisan approach, he hopes to gain support from both sides of the aisle and bring more attention to the issue.
In a statement, Representative Bacon said, “Tariffs have a direct impact not only on consumers but also on producers, manufacturers, and farmers. It is essential that Congress has the ability to review and approve any proposed tariffs, as it affects the livelihoods of hardworking Americans.” He also added, “This is not a partisan issue; it is about restoring checks and balances and ensuring that trade decisions are made with the best interest of our country in mind.”
The introduction of a companion bill in the House is a significant development in the fight for congressional powers over tariffs. Together with the Senate legislation, it sends a strong message that lawmakers from both parties are united in their efforts to restore the balance of power and protect the interests of the American people.
Representative Bacon’s bill also has the support of various industries and organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Retail Federation, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. These groups have all expressed their concerns over the impact of tariffs on their members and have been advocating for congressional oversight over trade policies.
Moreover, this bill has the potential to gain widespread support from the American public, who have been feeling the effects of tariffs on their wallets. A recent survey conducted by the National Taxpayers Union found that 68% of American voters believe that Congress should have more control over tariffs, and only 19% think that the executive branch should be solely responsible.
In conclusion, Representative Don Bacon’s decision to introduce a companion bill to the bipartisan Senate legislation is a significant step in the right direction. It shows that members of Congress are listening to the concerns of their constituents and are taking action to restore the balance of power in trade decisions. With bipartisan support and the backing of various industries, this bill has a strong chance of making a real difference in the fight against tariffs. Let us hope that Congress can come together and pass this legislation, putting the power back where it belongs – in the hands of the people’s representatives.
