Washington D.C. – A group of Democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives has introduced a resolution aimed at overturning former President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50% on goods imported from India. The move seeks to restore congressional authority over trade policy and mend what they view as a damaged economic relationship between the United States and India.
Reps. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) presented the resolution this week, following a similar bipartisan Senate vote to overturn Trump's tariffs on imports from Brazil. These lawmakers assert that Trump misused emergency powers by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs without Congressional approval. Trump's order included an initial reciprocal duty and later added a 25% duty on many Indian products beginning August 27, ultimately raising duties on some Indian goods to around 50%.
Rep. Ross emphasized the negative impact of these tariffs on North Carolina's economy, highlighting the strong trade and investment ties between the state and India. She noted that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in North Carolina, particularly in the Research Triangle's life sciences and technology sectors, creating thousands of jobs and fostering innovation. North Carolina manufacturers also export hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and advanced machinery to India annually. Ross warned that Trump's approach "destabilizes this relationship" and jeopardizes local jobs and long-term growth.
Rep. Veasey echoed these concerns, stating that the tariffs "are a tax on everyday North Texans" during a time when families are already facing rising costs. He stressed India's importance as a cultural and economic partner and urged Congress to end policies that increase prices for consumers. Krishnamoorthi added that Trump's strategy harms U.S. interests.
This new House resolution is part of a broader effort by Democrats to reclaim Congress's constitutional role in setting trade policy. Lawmakers aim to limit the use of emergency powers to enforce broad trade measures, arguing that any significant changes to U.S. tariff policy should require direct congressional approval. If the resolution passes, it would terminate the national emergency declared by Trump and eliminate the additional duties that took effect last year. Supporters believe this would stabilize trade with India, lower costs for American consumers, and support businesses that rely on predictable import and export regulations.
Ross, Veasey, and Krishnamoorthi have been vocal critics of Trump's tariff policies. In October, they joined Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and 19 other lawmakers in urging the White House to reverse the tariffs, arguing that the duties strain relations with India at a time when cooperation is crucial in technology, trade, and global security.
The tariffs on India are just one aspect of Trump's broader use of tariffs during his presidency. In his second term, Trump enacted steep tariffs on nearly all goods imported into the country. From January to April 2025, the average applied U.S. tariff rate rose from 2.5% to an estimated 27%, the highest level in over a century. By September 2025, U.S. tariff revenue exceeded $30 billion per month, compared to under $10 billion per month in 2024. Trump also claimed unprecedented tariff authority under the IEEPA, imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on imports from all countries not subject to other sanctions.
The legal basis for Trump's tariffs has faced numerous challenges. Federal courts have ruled that tariffs imposed under the IEEPA are illegal, although they remained in effect while the case was appealed. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the matter in November 2025.
