Washington, Dec 13 (UNI) Three members of the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration that resulted in tariffs of up to 50 percent on imports from India. The lawmakers described the duties as “illegal” and warned that they would harm American workers and consumers while straining US–India relations.
The resolution was introduced by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, following a bipartisan effort in the Senate to roll back similar emergency-based tariffs on Brazil and to curb the president’s authority to impose trade duties under emergency powers.
According to an official release, the measure aims to rescind the additional 25 per cent “secondary” tariffs imposed on Indian goods on August 27, 2025, which were layered on top of earlier reciprocal duties. Together, these actions raised tariffs on many Indian-origin products to 50 per cent under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
“North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” Congresswoman Ross said. She noted that Indian companies have invested more than USD1 billion in the state, creating thousands of jobs in sectors such as life sciences and technology, while North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of goods to India each year.
“India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with rising costs,” Congressman Veasey said.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi described the tariffs as “counterproductive,” arguing that they disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. He added that ending the duties would strengthen US–India economic and security cooperation.
“Instead of advancing American interests or security, these tariffs undermine them. Ending these damaging measures will allow the United States to engage constructively with India to advance our shared economic and security priorities,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The resolution is part of a broader push by congressional Democrats to challenge Trump’s unilateral trade actions and reset strained relations with India. Earlier in October, Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi, along with Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other lawmakers—urged the President to reverse the tariff policy and repair bilateral ties.
“Ending Trump’s India tariffs is part of a broader effort to reclaim Congress’s constitutional authority over trade and prevent the misuse of emergency powers to impose misguided trade policies,” the release said.
In August, Trump imposed an initial 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods effective August 1, followed by an additional 25 per cent increase days later. The administration cited India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, claiming the trade supports Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine, bringing total duties to 50 per cent.
Three US House members move to overturn Trump’s 50 pc tariffs on India
