US Lawmakers Introduce Resolution to End Trump's 50% Tariffs on India, Citing Illegal Use of Emergency Powers

Three US House Representatives introduced a resolution on Friday challenging President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration that imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, describing these measures as "illegal" and detrimental to American workers, consumers, and US-India relations.

Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi spearheaded the resolution, which follows a bipartisan Senate initiative to terminate similar tariffs on Brazil and restrict presidential emergency powers for imposing import duties.

The resolution aims to rescind the additional 25% "secondary" duties imposed on India on August 27, 2025, which were added to earlier reciprocal tariffs. Combined, these raised duties on numerous Indian products to 50% under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Congresswoman Ross emphasized the strong economic ties between North Carolina and India, noting that "North Carolina's economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community." She highlighted that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in her state, creating thousands of jobs in sectors including life sciences and technology, while North Carolina manufacturers export hundreds of millions of dollars in goods to India annually.

Congressman Veasey added that "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."

Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi characterized the tariffs as "counterproductive, disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers." He stressed that eliminating these tariffs would help strengthen economic and security cooperation between the United States and India.

"Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs," Krishnamoorthi elaborated.

This resolution represents part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to challenge Trump's unilateral trade measures and improve America's relationship with India.

In October, Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi, along with Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other Members of Congress, urged President Trump to reverse his tariff policies and repair strained US-India bilateral relations.

"Ending Trump's India tariffs is part of a broader effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress' constitutional authority over trade and to stop the President from using emergency powers to unilaterally impose his misguided trade policies," the release stated.

In August, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods effective August 1, followed by an additional 25% increase days later. He cited India's continued purchase of Russian oil as justification, claiming it supports Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine, bringing the total tariff to 50%.