From Fortune · Desirée LeClercq · · 2m
Democrats must reclaim trade policy from the president
After winning Congress, Democrats debate tariff power. But both Trump and Biden administrations failed workers by ignoring Congress's role in setting trade objectives.
In brief
After winning Congress, Democrats debate tariff power. But both Trump and Biden administrations failed workers by ignoring Congress's role in setting trade objectives. Democrats must revive Trade Promotion Authority and require congressional approval for tariffs, learning from failures of both Trump and Biden…
Democrats debate tariff power after Congress win
Days after winning Congress, Democrats are debating whether and how to restore congressional authority over tariffs. Some focus on reining in Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on allies like Canada.
Both administrations ignored Congress on trade
Congress once shared control over trade policy through Trade Promotion Authority, which linked its vote on trade agreements to negotiation objectives including enforceable labor and environmental standards. Both Trump and Biden administrations essentially ignored it.
Unilateral tariffs failed to improve labor rights
When the United States and European Union considered withdrawing trade benefits from Cambodia in two thousand nineteen over worker-rights violations, China pledged five hundred eighty eight million dollars in aid.
Tariffs tax workers, not protect them
Tariff policy does not protect workers in the United States from job loss; it taxes them at the grocery store and when their jobs depend on a steady, affordable supply of steel and aluminum.
Cambodia deal shows need for deliberation
The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Cambodia, negotiated in months in two thousand twenty five, committed Cambodia to protect internationally recognized labor rights.
Mexico agreement shows patient approach works
Patient efforts under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement paid off. With time to debate the labor-rights commitments domestically, Mexico passed critical labor legislation to protect independent trade unions.
Congress must require approval for new tariffs
Congress should start in January by requiring its approval for new tariffs, as Democratic leaders now promise.
Trump veto would reveal his trade priorities
President Trump will likely veto both measures. Doing so would put on record that he prefers unchecked trade power over new agreements that would benefit U.S. companies and workers.
The key point
Democrats must revive Trade Promotion Authority and require congressional approval for tariffs, learning from failures of both Trump and Biden administrations.
