Terminating the national emergency declared to impose duties on articles imported from Canada.
Summary
This joint resolution terminates the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025, by the President in Executive Order 14193. The original emergency was declared to impose duties on articles imported from Canada. The resolution was passed by the Senate on October 29, 2025.
The resolution cites Section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) as the authority for terminating the emergency. This indicates a congressional check on executive power related to trade.
By terminating the emergency, the resolution removes the justification for imposing duties on Canadian imports, potentially altering trade relations.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect is the removal of duties on articles imported from Canada. This could lead to changes in trade flows between the United States and Canada.
Businesses that import goods from Canada will likely see reduced costs. Consumers may also experience price changes on goods that incorporate Canadian imports.
Longer term, this could signal a shift in trade policy or a re-evaluation of the initial reasons for declaring the national emergency.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Costs for Importers: Businesses importing goods from Canada will likely experience lower costs due to the elimination of duties.
- Potential Price Reductions for Consumers: Consumers may benefit from lower prices on goods that incorporate Canadian imports.
- Improved Trade Relations: Terminating the emergency could foster better trade relations with Canada.
- Restoration of Normal Trade Conditions: Removes distortions caused by emergency tariffs, allowing for more efficient markets.
- Congressional Oversight: Reinforces the role of Congress in checking executive power related to trade policy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Impact on Domestic Industries: Domestic industries that compete with Canadian imports may face increased competition.
- Economic Disruption: Some businesses may have adjusted their operations based on the tariffs, and removing them could cause disruption.
- Loss of Leverage: The US loses the leverage the tariffs provided in trade negotiations.
- Uncertainty for Businesses: Businesses that benefited from the tariffs may face uncertainty as they adjust to the new trade environment.
- Potential for Job Losses: In specific sectors that benefited from the tariffs, there could be job losses.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the constitutional principle of checks and balances. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. The National Emergencies Act, cited in the resolution, provides a framework for Congress to terminate a national emergency declared by the President.
By terminating the emergency, Congress is exercising its oversight role in trade policy. This action reinforces the separation of powers and ensures that the executive branch does not act unilaterally in matters of trade.
The resolution also implicitly touches upon the treaty power of the President (Article II, Section 2), as trade relations often involve international agreements.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).