Meuser: America First Trade Policy Remains Strong and Intact Despite SCOTUS Ruling

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff authority.

"For decades, the United States operated under a lopsided trade system. Our markets stayed open while trading partners imposed massive barriers on American goods - India as high as 100%, Japan as high as 300% - while we often charged just 2%.

"That imbalance hollowed out American manufacturing for nearly 50 years. "Made in the USA" declined. Supply chains moved overseas. The system was tilted against American workers.

"President Trump corrected the global trade order. His tariffs forced long-overdue reciprocity, and because of that leverage, those tariff barriers have now been driven to zero. America is back on a winning path.

"With that in mind, it is important to be clear about what the Supreme Court's decision on IEEPA does - and does not - do.

"First, the Court did not strike down the President's broader trade authority. The President retains extensive tariff authority under longstanding statutes, including:
• Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act (national security)
• Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (unfair trade practices)
• Section 201 safeguards
• Section 338 of the Trade Act of 1930

• Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 (emergency economic measures)

• Other congressionally delegated trade enforcement tools

"All tariffs imposed under those authorities remain fully in effect.

"Second, all trade agreements and commitments secured during this period remain in place. The Court's ruling does not unwind negotiated deals, investment pledges, LNG purchase agreements, or manufacturing commitments.

"What the Court did do is remove a key leverage tool under IEEPA. That tool provided the flexibility to move quickly, impose broad reciprocal tariffs, and bring trading partners to the table.

"That flexibility helped:

• Secure historic trade deals across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America

• Attract trillions in new investment commitments

• Drive large-scale purchases of American liquid natural gas

• Reprioritize American manufacturing and supply chains

"I respectfully disagree with the Court's interpretation. President Nixon used nearly identical statutory language in 1971 to impose a 10% global tariff. For decades, presidents relied on emergency trade authorities to protect American interests. Today, the Court adopted a narrower view of that authority.

"But this ruling does not end America First trade policy.

"President Trump's trade successes were not accidental - they were the result of strength, clarity, and willingness to use every lawful tool available. While the Court has now limited one of those tools, the President retains powerful and proven authorities to ensure our trading partners honor their commitments.

"America's leverage remains strong. Our trade relationships remain intact. The President and Republicans in Congress will continue using every lawful authority available to protect American workers, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and secure fair treatment for the United States in the global economy."

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