CEI praises Schumer’s good idea on trade reform

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced a bill, the End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act, to repeal Trump tariffs and duties on Canada and require refunds. CEI experts praised Leader Schumer for seeking these checks on runaway executive branch power.

Kent Lassman, CEI president:

“Thank you, Chuck Schumer. Leader Schumer and his cosponsors offered legislation that is directionally sound, even if it lacks the ambition necessary to restore Congress to the appropriate, leading role in trade policy.

“Repeal of targeted authorities is good and beneficial; repeal of broad legislative grants is both better and available. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle who want to put Congress back in charge and America on a path to trade liberalization. A trimmed weed is still a healthy weed, so harmful trade policies need to be pulled out from the roots.”

Ryan Young, CEI senior economist:

“The separation of powers is a core principle of American government. The basic idea is to never put too much power in one place, yet this is exactly what has happened with tariffs. No president should have the power to raise taxes on a whim.

“Sen. Schumer’s End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act would do more than take back some of the taxing power that rightfully belongs to Congress. It is an important first step to rebalancing an American government that has put too much power in the presidency and has too few checks and balances from the other two branches.

“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, this legislation marks an encouraging start on a worthwhile project.”