Contact Congress about H.R. 735: United States Reciprocal Trade Act

The President could raise tariffs on goods from countries that charge more or block U.S. products with tough rules. The bill adds notice, public comment, agency review, and a hard-to-use congressional veto.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

United States Reciprocal Trade Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

Latest action on H.R. 735: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects businesses and workers tied to products that face high foreign tariffs or other trade barriers. U.S. exporters could get more pressure on foreign governments to open their markets. U.S. importers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers could face higher costs if the President raises tariffs on targeted imports.

Why this matters: This bill could change prices and trade access by making it easier for the President to raise tariffs on specific imports. It may give U.S. negotiators more leverage with countries that put higher barriers on U.S. goods. It also shifts more trade power to the President, while giving Congress a review process that may be difficult to use.

Key provisions in H.R. 735

• The President could act when another country taxes a U.S. good much more than the United States taxes that country’s similar good. The same applies when foreign non-tariff barriers, meaning trade limits other than taxes, create a much heavier burden.
• The bill gives the President two main options. The President could negotiate to lower the foreign barrier or raise U.S. tariffs to match the foreign tariff or the estimated effect of that barrier.
• The President must review concrete details before acting. These include how each country classifies the product, each side’s tariff rate, the product’s features and uses, trade amounts, and how much the foreign measure skews trade.
• The U.S. Trade Representative must help measure the real cost of foreign non-tariff barriers. That office must work with Treasury, Commerce, and other agencies to estimate the barrier’s effective rate of duty, meaning its tariff-like effect.
• The President may set the U.S. tariff below the full matching amount if that is necessary and appropriate. If the foreign country raises its tariff in response, the President may raise the U.S. tariff again.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 735

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 735

What is H.R. 735?

The President could raise tariffs on goods from countries that charge more or block U.S. products with tough rules. The bill adds notice, public comment, agency review, and a hard-to-use congressional veto.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 735?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 735?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 735 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.