S. 348 — STABLE Trade Policy Act

This section limits the President's authority—under section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1338), which authorizes retaliatory duties on imports from countries discriminating against U.S. commerce; section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. 1862); the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. 4301 et seq.); or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)—to proclaim new or additional duties (covered duties) on articles imported from covered countries, defined as NATO members, major non-NATO allies (under 22 U.S.C. 2321k), or free trade agreement partners. Such duties may be proclaimed only if the President submits to Congress a request detailing (1) the objective; (2) why diplomacy, trade dispute processes, or other mechanisms are less effective; (3) impacts on U.S. foreign policy and national security; and (4) impacts on the U.S. economy and relevant sectors, and a joint resolution of approval—authorizing the specific request by date—is enacted into law. Joint resolutions may be introduced by any Member within 15 legislative days of the request using expedited procedures under section 152(b)–(f) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2192(b)–(f)), with this subsection enacted as a House rulemaking power.