A bold new push to bring tariff power back where it belongs — in the hands of Congress
Rep. David Valadao (R-California), a key Republican voice in one of the nation’s most competitive swing districts, says he’s strongly considering supporting a new House proposal that would shift tariff authority away from unelected bureaucrats and restore it to Congress — just as the Constitution intended.
In a weekend appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Valadao responded to reports that Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) is working on a House bill to mirror Senate efforts to give lawmakers more control over tariffs, especially those impacting U.S. jobs and trade policy under President Trump’s America First agenda.
“I probably will support it,” Valadao said. “It’s about restoring balance and returning power to the branch that answers directly to the American people.”
Why This Matters: Tariffs, Trade, and the Constitution
With Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly hesitant to support the measure, Valadao’s remarks underscore a growing movement among constitutional conservatives who believe Congress must reclaim its rightful role in trade and economic policy.
“This is one of those powers our Founding Fathers gave to Congress,” Valadao said. “And it’s time we take that responsibility seriously.”
Tariffs Under Trump: A Tool for American Strength
Valadao, speaking candidly, also highlighted the renewed interest among voters in President Trump’s tough stance on trade, especially tariffs that level the playing field for American workers and manufacturers.
“Tariffs absolutely have a place,” Valadao said. “When used correctly, they protect American interests and ensure we’re not being undercut by foreign governments.”
He emphasized that tariffs are not about isolation — they’re about fairness.
“We can compete with anyone in the world. We just need policies that give us a fair shot,” he said.
What It Means for 2025 and Beyond
As President Trump leads America through a new era of economic resurgence, the question of who controls tariff policy has taken on fresh urgency.
With supply chains shifting, China continuing to manipulate trade, and American jobs on the line, many in the GOP are demanding congressional oversight on tariffs — and calling out executive overreach that bypasses the will of the people.
Valadao’s openness to the bill is a sign that constitutional governance is making a comeback, and that America First economic policy remains a top priority for Republican lawmakers going into the 2025 legislative session.
Bottom Line:
Bringing tariff power back to Congress isn’t just good policy — it’s smart, constitutional, and pro-American.