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Floor Speech

By: Tim Kaine
By: Tim Kaine
Date: March 27, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Trade Legislative Branch

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Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, today Senator Carper and I introduced the Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2019. Enacting this bill would restore the role on Congress in overseeing international trade matters.

I have been outspoken against the abuse of executive authorities that have been delegated to the President. Congress has a Constitutional power to oversee international trade. We have recently seen an abuse of this power, as with other executive authorities. This bill would mandate expanded Congressional involvement in international trade decisions by requiring the Trump Administration--and future Administrations--to further analyze, communicate, and justify tariff actions to Congress. Congress would then review new tariffs and if the Administration used national security to justify the tariffs' need, Congress would be required to approve them.

I am advocating for my colleagues to consider supporting this bill, especially as the damaging effects of the ongoing trade war continue. It's time for Congress to step in and act on our Constitutional duty.

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