Reasserting Congressional Authority on Trade

Congress has historically ceded significant power over tariffs to the executive branch, often assuming that the president will act in the national interest. This delegation has led to a concerning trend where Congress is less involved in tariff-setting decisions. Douglas Irwin emphasizes that Congress should reassert its authority over trade policies, as many constituents are affected by detrimental tariff measures. By standing up and reclaiming its role, Congress can better respond to the potential harm caused to various sectors, especially those critical to voters.