Vote Note: H Res 707

Vote Note: H Res 707 goes beyond the prerogative of the majority to decide what bills are  taken to the floor.  This resolution amends existing law to extend the authority of the President to impose tariffs until March 30.  That makes this a substantive question of policy and the responsibility of individual members to pass judgment.  Under the Constitution, the power to impose tariffs is a congressional power and needs to be restored to Congress.   I ultimately voted yes only after the Speaker agreed: 1) To modify the extension to January 31 in a rule to be brought to the floor this week and 2) to immediately convene a working group within the Republican conference to address the tariff issue, including possible measures to modify existing policy and clarify Congress’s role in setting that policy.