Prevent Tariff Abuse Act

House Bill

H.R. 407

119th Congress

Prevent Tariff Abuse Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 12, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Michael T. McCaul

Representative

Republican

TX-10

Cosponsors

72

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary

This bill prohibits the President from using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, duties, or import quotas. It would limit executive authority to unilaterally impose trade restrictions by declaring national emergencies.

Latest Action

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.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits the President from using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, duties, or import quotas. It would limit executive authority to unilaterally impose trade restrictions by declaring national emergencies.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Prevent Tariff Abuse ActThis bill prohibits the President from exercising authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose duties, tariff-rate quotas, or other quotas on imports entering the United States. (IEEPA provides the President with broad authority to regulate various economic transactions following a declaration of a national emergency.)

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Blocks use of IEEPA for imposing tariffs
Prohibits emergency powers for import quotas
Limits executive trade authority
Requires Congress to approve new tariffs
Responds to concerns about tariff policy by executive action

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Presidents would lose the ability to impose tariffs by declaring national emergencies, requiring congressional approval instead. This responds to concerns about executive overreach in trade policy and would shift power over tariffs back to Congress.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Related Subjects

Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Tariffs

Trade restrictions

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

407, 119th Congress (2025). "Prevent Tariff Abuse Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-407