Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Congressional Trade Powers Reform Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This legislation is titled the Congressional Trade Powers Reform Act of 2026. It reclaims the authority of Congress over the imposition of duties and other trade actions. The bill establishes a new Joint Committee on Tariffs and Trade to review presidential trade proposals. It requires any trade agreement that binds the United States to first be approved by law. Additionally, the bill moves the Office of the United States Trade Representative outside of the Executive Office of the President and establishes an Inspector General for that office. Furthermore, it repeals certain existing trade authorities related to balance-of-payments and foreign discrimination.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill creates a Joint Committee on Tariffs and Trade and an Inspector General to increase oversight and transparency of trade actions.
- Scored +3
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill strengthens the ability of Congress to regulate import competition, which can protect unionized domestic industries.
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill provides domestic business owners more legislative recourse to challenge trade actions through Congress.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make trade with other countries easier?
By requiring congressional approval for all binding trade agreements, the bill may slow down the process of international trade negotiations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 301 requires that any trade agreement binding the United States must first be approved by an Act of Congress. This provision ensures that elected officials are held accountable by giving the people's representatives a direct voice in trade agreements that require changes to United States law.
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Section 303 establishes an Inspector General for the Office of the United States Trade Representative. This creates independent oversight to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency, which protects the interests of the people.
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Section 101 establishes the Joint Committee on Tariffs and Trade to review trade actions proposed by the President. This increases transparency and allows congressional oversight over trade policy.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 1001 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as added by Section 101, dictates that trade actions taken by the President under specific statutes will terminate not later than 180 days after taking effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law. This temporary duration could create instability or uncertainty for United States industries and workers who rely on long-term trade protections.
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Section 201 repeals the balance-of-payments authority found in section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Removing this authority could limit the tools available to address sudden and severe balance-of-payments deficits.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill strengthens the ability of Congress to regulate import competition, which can protect unionized domestic industries. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides domestic business owners more legislative recourse to challenge trade actions through Congress. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased oversight of import competition may protect domestic labor markets which benefits low-income workers. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Congressional control over trade duties may protect domestic industries and middle-class jobs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill creates a Joint Committee on Tariffs and Trade and an Inspector General to increase oversight and transparency of trade actions.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Increased congressional review of trade duties may provide indirect protection against sudden trade policy shifts. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill increases legislative oversight of trade actions which may provide more stability for domestic businesses.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides more oversight of trade actions related to national security which can indirectly stabilize economic conditions for veterans. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — By requiring congressional approval for all binding trade agreements, the bill may slow down the process of international trade negotiations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Increased oversight of trade competition might protect domestic jobs which helps reduce poverty.
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate