Legislation introduced today by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), which would require President Trump to get congressional approval before implementing tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, will severely undermine American attempts to negotiate better trade terms for U.S. businesses and workers.
The amendment comes as 300 new jobs were just announced at a U.S. Steel facility in Granite City, Ill., as a direct result of the recent steel tariffs. Thousands of jobs in the steel and aluminum industry have been created nationwide since Trump first announced action earlier this year.
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul said:
"There is a vital role for Congress in trade, but it's one that has been largely abdicated for years now. Where are the self-initiated trade cases to stop China's cheating? Where are the real penalties for unfair trade practices?
"Senator Corker and his colleagues may pretend this is about preserving ties with our allies, but its effect would be to send American workers back to the unemployment line while letting China skate."
The Corker amendment also would pull the rug from under the president's feet ahead of the summit in Singapore and the G7 meetings, all while letting China off the hook.