Three Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced a resolution aimed at blocking what they call President Donald Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India. The move challenges the national emergency declaration used by the Trump administration to justify the duties.
According to a report by The Hindustan Times, the resolution was introduced on Friday by Representatives Deborah Ross of North Carolina, Marc Veasey of Texas, and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. It calls for the termination of the national emergency declared by Trump in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), under which the administration jacked up tariffs on Indian goods.
Also Read | Donald Trump pitches ‘Gold Card’ visa, talks about Indian students at launch
What do the tariffs involve?
According to the report by Hindustan Times, under Trump's order, Indian imports faced an initial 25 per cent tariff from August 1 that was then followed within days by a further 25 per cent "secondary" duty - taking the total levy on many products to 50 per cent.
The White House tried to justify the move by suggesting that it was because of India's continued purchase of Russian oil, adding that such transactions are indirectly supporting Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.
Why do lawmakers oppose the move?
As per the report, lawmakers further described the tariffs as "illegal" and warned they would have serious economic consequences for American workers, consumers and long-term relations between the United States and India.
"North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community," said Congresswoman Ross. She emphasised that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in her state and created thousands of jobs, many of which were in the life sciences and technology. She warned that the tariffs put jobs, innovation, and competitiveness at risk.
Congressman Veasey also joined in the criticism, referring to India as a key cultural, economic, and strategic partner. “These illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said.
Indian-American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi said the tariff strategy was counterproductive. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers,” he said. He added that ending the tariffs would help strengthen economic and security cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
Also Read | US embassy cracks down on birth tourism; Visa cancellations begin for suspected travellers
Growing number of congressional backlashes
The resolution in the House comes weeks after the US Senate’s bipartisan measure to terminate similar emergency-based tariffs imposed on Brazil took place, signalling the growing congressional resistance to the President’s use of emergency powers to reshape the trade policy.
What happens next?
As per the report, this is part of an unprecedented move by Congressional Democrats to reassert Congress's constitutional authority over trade, and concurrently improve strained ties with India. In October, Ross, Veasey and Krishnamoorthi, joined by Congressman Ro Khanna and 19 other lawmakers, urged Trump to reverse his tariff policies and repair relations with New Delhi. The resolution, if passed, would formally terminate the national emergency issued on August 6, 2025, and roll back additional duties imposed on Indian imports.
