In House Committee·Last action 460 days ago

H.R.407 Blocks Presidential Tariff Powers

Officially: Prevent Tariff Abuse Act

H.R.407 stops the President from using emergency powers to set tariffs. Affects importers and consumers by preventing sudden price hikes.

Where it stands

Sitting in Foreign Affairs

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Tariff Prohibition: Prevents the President from imposing tariffs under IEEPA.
Congressional Authority: Restores Congressional control over trade policy decisions.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Preventing executive overreach: Supporters believe that Congress should have the final say on tariffs, as the Constitution gives it authority over trade policy.
Limiting national emergency abuse: The bill aims to stop Presidents from declaring national emergencies just to impose tariffs without going through Congress.
Protecting against arbitrary trade actions: Ensures that tariff decisions are made through established procedures, not emergency declarations.

✕Arguments against

Limiting presidential flexibility: Critics argue that the President needs the ability to respond quickly to national security or economic crises.
Reducing negotiating leverage: Some believe that the President should be able to use tariffs as a tool in international negotiations.
Constraining national security responses: Opponents worry that the bill could limit the President's ability to protect industries critical to national security.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

✓

Introduced

Introduced in House

—

●

House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (1/15/2025)

JAN 15

○

House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

—

○

Passed House

Approved by House

—

○

Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

—

○

Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

—

○

Signed into Law

Signed by the President

—

For more detail

Menu

H.R.407 Blocks Presidential Tariff Powers

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

Read deeper