Joint Resolutions terminating the trade deficit “emergency” underlying the Administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for reciprocal tariffs were introduced in both the House and Senate on April 8. The Senate’s bipartisan resolution was introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The House resolution was introduced by Rep. Suzan DelBene along with several other Democrats, including Gregory Meeks (NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks (NY), House Ways & Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (MA), and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Rick Larsen (WA).
Under the National Emergencies Act, a privileged resolution to terminate an emergency must be acted upon within 15 calendar days, otherwise, it must be brought to the floor for a vote. However a House provision included in the latest budget continuing resolution allows the House to avoid holding a vote on any privileged resolution denying any such emergency.
