A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs.

Bill Number: S.J.Res. 88
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2025-10-31: Held at the desk.
Last Updated: 2026-02-27T09:06:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution aims to end a national emergency declared by the President to justify imposing global tariffs on imports, restoring normal trade authority without emergency powers.

Key Provisions

Termination of Emergency: The resolution invokes Section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622), which allows Congress to terminate a presidentially declared national emergency through a joint resolution.
Specific Emergency Targeted: It terminates the emergency declared on April 2, 2025, via Executive Order 14257 (published in the Federal Register at 90 Fed. Reg. 15041), effective immediately upon the resolution's enactment into law.
Legislative Process: Passed by the Senate on October 30, 2025; requires House approval and presidential signature (or veto override) to become law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Reversal of Executive Action: This overrides the President's use of emergency powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) or similar statutes, which had enabled the imposition of global tariffs without standard congressional trade processes.
No Broader Amendments: The resolution does not alter the National Emergencies Act itself but demonstrates Congress's statutory authority to check executive declarations, potentially setting a precedent for future terminations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Commerce, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection would likely need to halt or reverse tariff implementations, shifting trade enforcement back to routine procedures and reducing reliance on emergency justifications.
On Citizens and Businesses: U.S. importers, exporters, and consumers could see lower costs for goods if tariffs are lifted, potentially easing inflation pressures but disrupting supply chains that adapted to the tariffs; small businesses reliant on imports might benefit most.
On International Relations: Trading partners (e.g., allies like the EU, Canada, or China) may experience improved diplomatic ties and reduced trade tensions, as the emergency tariffs could have strained bilateral agreements like the USMCA or WTO rules.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Congress and Executive Branch: Congress asserts oversight; the President loses emergency-based trade leverage.
Businesses and Industries: Import-dependent sectors (e.g., manufacturing, retail) gain relief from tariffs; export-oriented industries might face increased foreign competition.
Consumers and Workers: Everyday Americans could pay less for imported products; jobs in protected industries (e.g., steel) might be at risk.
Foreign Governments and Entities: Global trading nations and companies exporting to the U.S. benefit from normalized trade without punitive measures.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces Congress's role under the National Emergencies Act to terminate emergencies, potentially limiting executive overreach in trade policy; could invite court challenges if the President vetoes or if agencies delay implementation.
Constitutional: Highlights the separation of powers, as Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress primary authority over tariffs and commerce, countering expansive presidential emergency declarations.
Political: Signals bipartisan or legislative pushback against protectionist policies, possibly influencing midterm elections or future trade debates; may encourage more frequent congressional reviews of emergencies (over 40 active as of recent counts).

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

Cosponsors (6)

Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]

Recent Actions

2025-10-31: Held at the desk.
2025-10-31: Received in the House.
2025-10-30: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-10-30: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 600. (text: CR S7843) (Roll call 600)
2025-10-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 47. Record Vote Number: 600. (Roll call 600)
2025-10-30: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7842-7843)
2025-10-30: Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.
2025-10-30: Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.
2025-10-07: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
2025-10-07: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. — issued 2025-10-30 — PDF (2 pages)
Terminating the national emergency declared to impose global tariffs. — issued 2025-10-07 — PDF (1 pages)