A group of US lawmakers has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to overturn former President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration that led to steep tariffs on Indian imports, describing the measures as unlawful and damaging to both economies.
The resolution, introduced by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey and Raja Krishnamoorthi, aims to end duties of up to 50% imposed on Indian-origin goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It follows a bipartisan effort in the US Senate to roll back similar tariffs on Brazil and rein in presidential authority to impose trade restrictions using emergency powers.
According to lawmakers, the move seeks to rescind the additional 25% “secondary” tariff imposed on August 27, 2025, which came on top of earlier reciprocal duties and sharply raised import costs for a wide range of Indian products entering the US.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross highlighted the deep economic linkages between India and her home state of North Carolina, noting that Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars locally, creating thousands of jobs across life sciences, technology and manufacturing. She added that US exports to India run into hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
“India is an important cultural, economic and strategic partner,” Ross said, arguing that the tariffs undermine mutually beneficial trade ties.
Congressman Marc Veasey echoed the sentiment, calling the tariffs an “illegal tax” that hurts American consumers already grappling with rising living costs. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said the measures were counterproductive, warning they disrupt supply chains, hurt US workers and inflate prices.
“Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance shared economic and security priorities,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The resolution forms part of a broader Democratic push to challenge unilateral trade actions taken under emergency powers and to restore Congress’ constitutional authority over trade policy. Lawmakers noted that similar appeals had been made earlier this year, urging the administration to reverse tariffs and repair strained ties with India.
Trump had imposed the tariffs in two phases in August, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and alleging it indirectly supported Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The decision raised cumulative duties on several Indian exports to as high as 50%, triggering criticism from businesses and policymakers on both sides.
