US Federal Senate Bill SB151

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25

Caption

Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act of 2025

Summary

SB 151, titled the "Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act of 2025," would amend the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to make clear that the President’s emergency economic powers do not include authority to impose or increase customs duties, or to impose tariff-rate quotas, on goods entering the United States. The bill is aimed at preventing the use of emergency powers to raise import costs through tariffs or similar trade restrictions that function like taxes on imported goods. The bill also preserves presidential authority to exclude imports entirely, or to exclude all imports of a particular type from a country, so long as the action does not take the form of a duty increase or tariff-rate quota. In practical terms, the measure narrows one possible interpretation of IEEPA by carving out tariff-setting powers from emergency authorities while leaving other import restriction tools intact.

Impact

If enacted, SB 151 would amend Section 203 of IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. 1702, by adding an explicit limitation on presidential emergency powers over trade. It would affect the scope of executive authority in international economic emergencies, likely constraining future administrations from using IEEPA as a basis for tariffs or tariff-rate quotas. The bill would primarily affect the President, the executive branch agencies that administer trade and sanctions authorities, and importers and businesses exposed to tariff changes.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to have a protective, pro-consumer and pro-importer framing, emphasizing opposition to using emergency powers to raise costs on imported goods. The sponsors—Senators Shaheen, Wyden, and Kaine—signal support for limiting tariff authority under emergency law. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so no formal opposition or bipartisan support can be assessed from the available history.

Contention

The main point of contention is the scope of presidential emergency powers under IEEPA, specifically whether those powers should be read to include tariffs and tariff-rate quotas. Supporters of the bill would likely argue that tariffs are taxes on consumers and should not be imposed through emergency authorities. Potential opponents may argue that the President needs broad flexibility in emergencies to respond to foreign threats, including through trade restrictions. The bill does not eliminate the ability to restrict imports altogether, but it does draw a line against using emergency powers to impose or raise duties.