Bill · H.R. 735· House(119-HR-735)
United States Reciprocal Trade Act
- Introduced
- 1/24/2025
- Last activity
- 1/24/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Riley Moore
- Cosponsors
- - 10 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The United States Reciprocal Trade Act authorizes the President to take actions to address trade imbalances. It allows the President to impose duties on imported goods if a foreign country has significantly higher tariffs or nontariff barriers on similar American goods. The President can also negotiate agreements to reduce these barriers or adjust rates to achieve reciprocity. This authority includes the ability to increase duties further if a foreign country retaliates. The act includes various oversight mechanisms, such as congressional consultation and the potential for disapproval resolutions.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would farmers be better off under this?+6
The act specifically identifies the need to enhance opportunities for United States farmers through reciprocal trade.
Does this give the federal government more power?+6
The act significantly expands the President's authority to unilaterally impose duties and negotiate trade terms.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Domestic producers and businesses in protected sectors are likely to benefit from reciprocal tariffs on foreign competition.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Is this likely to slow the rise in prices?-3
Imposing higher duties or tariffs can lead to increased costs for consumers, potentially contributing to inflationary pressures.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
Increased costs for imported goods due to tariffs may disproportionately impact low-income consumers.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?-2
The potential for increased tariffs may result in higher prices for imported goods, impacting consumer purchasing power.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Competitiveness for Domestic Producers: By allowing the President to adjust tariff rates to reciprocal levels, the bill seeks to enhance opportunities for United States producers, farmers, and workers who are currently at a competitive disadvantage (Section 2).
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Protection Against Unfair Trade Practices: The bill aims to counter high tariffs on American automotive companies and the flooding of markets with cheap goods from certain trading partners (Section 2).
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National Security and Economic Dominance: The act provides the President authority to levy tariffs against global competitors and adversaries to maintain American economic dominance and protect national security interests (Section 2).
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Market Liberalization through Negotiation: The President is authorized to negotiate with foreign countries to reduce rates of duty or eliminate nontariff barriers, which can promote efficiency in those markets (Section 3, subsection b, clause 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Costs for Consumers: While not explicitly stated as a negative, the requirement for the United States Trade Representative to report on the "impact on United States consumers" before entering agreements suggests that trade actions may affect consumer prices (Section 6).
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Burden on Businesses: The bill requires a report describing the "impact on the competitiveness of United States businesses," indicating that the actions taken under this act could impact how businesses operate (Section 6).
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Potential for Trade Retaliation: The President has the authority to increase duties if a foreign country increases its own rate of duty on imports from the United States, which could lead to ongoing trade tensions (Section 3, subsection f).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Union Workers+4Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Low Income Households-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+6Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+4Reduces Inflation-3Improves Consumer Protection-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+3Improves International Alliances-2
- 6/4/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/24/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska
Mike CollinsRepublican · Georgia
Marjorie GreeneRepublican · Georgia
Abraham HamadehRepublican · Arizona
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Brian JackRepublican · Georgia
Barry LoudermilkRepublican · Georgia
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio