New Bill Requires Congress to Approve All Presidential Tariffs, Stripping Unilateral Power Over Trade Duties

The aptly named No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2025 is looking to change a major power dynamic in Washington. Simply put, this bill says the President can no longer unilaterally slap new taxes—or duties—on imported goods. If the Executive Branch wants to impose a new tariff, they first have to propose it to Congress, and Congress must pass a joint resolution specifically approving it before it can take effect (SEC. 2).

The End of the Quick-Draw Tariff

For years, Presidents have had the power to impose new duties under a wide range of existing trade laws, often in response to perceived unfair trade practices or national security concerns. This bill essentially neuters that quick-draw ability. This new Congressional approval requirement applies broadly, covering duties imposed under the Tariff Act of 1930, the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, and even emergency powers acts like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (SEC. 2). If you’re a business owner who relies on imported components—say, a small manufacturer of specialized electronics—this could be a massive win for predictability. Instead of waking up to a surprise 25% tariff that upends your supply chain overnight, you get a heads-up and a guaranteed legislative debate.

Trade-Offs: Accountability vs. Speed

The upside here is increased accountability. Tariffs are essentially taxes paid by importers, which often get passed on to consumers or domestic manufacturers. Requiring Congress—the body closest to the voters—to sign off on these new taxes aligns with the core idea of representation. However, this shift comes with a massive trade-off: speed. International trade disputes often require quick, decisive action. If a foreign country suddenly dumps subsidized goods into the U.S. market, the President’s ability to respond quickly with a retaliatory tariff would now be subject to the slow, often gridlocked process of Congressional approval. This could leave domestic industries exposed while politicians debate.

The Embargo Loophole

Here’s where the policy gets tricky. The bill explicitly states that this new approval requirement does not touch the President’s existing power to issue a complete ban, or embargo, on all imports from a specific country or of a specific item (SEC. 2). This creates a potential loophole. If a President wants to impose severe economic restrictions but doesn't want to wait for Congress to approve a duty, they might be tempted to use the more extreme tool—the total embargo—as a substitute. For everyday people, an embargo is far more disruptive than a tariff, potentially leading to immediate shortages and higher prices on specific goods, all to bypass the new Congressional oversight the bill is trying to establish.