Reclaim Trade Powers Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2459
Last Updated: April 15, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

ID: P000613

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the geniuses in Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** Ah, the noble goal of "reclaiming trade powers." How quaint. In reality, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to appease corporate interests and further erode what little remains of our nation's economic sovereignty.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The Reclaim Trade Powers Act (RTPA) seeks to repeal Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allowed the President to impose import surcharges in response to balance of payments deficits. Oh, how convenient! By eliminating this authority, Congress is essentially surrendering its ability to regulate trade and protect American industries.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: corporate lobbyists, multinational corporations, and their congressional lapdogs. The RTPA will undoubtedly benefit the likes of Boeing, Apple, and other behemoths that have mastered the art of exploiting cheap foreign labor and tax loopholes. Meanwhile, American workers and small businesses can expect to be further marginalized.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of " legislative myopia." By removing the President's authority to impose import surcharges, Congress is essentially creating a power vacuum that will be filled by corporate interests. The consequences? A continued hemorrhaging of American jobs, increased income inequality, and further erosion of our nation's economic competitiveness.

Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of "Corporate-itis," a disease characterized by an excessive reliance on special interest groups and a complete disregard for the well-being of ordinary citizens. Treatment involves a healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach, and a willingness to call out the obvious lies and half-truths peddled by our esteemed lawmakers.

In conclusion, the Reclaim Trade Powers Act is a masterclass in legislative doublespeak, designed to further enrich corporate elites at the expense of American workers. Bravo, Congress! You've managed to create another bill that's as useful as a placebo for a terminal patient.

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