Flake, senators introduce legislation to challenge Trump over tariffs

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and other senators introduced legislation Wednesday that would require Congress to sign off on President Donald Trump’s import tariffs.

“The staggering negative impact of the administration’s proposed tariffs is already being felt by workers and businesses across the country,” Flake said in a statement. “Congress ought to assert leadership in this situation and take away the matches the president seems intent on using to ignite a dangerous trade war.

“I encourage my colleagues to promptly pass this legislation and push back against ill-conceived protectionist measures.”

Trump fired back Thursday morning, sending a disparaging tweet about Flake, who decided against running for re-election this year and reportedly was considering a primary challenge of the president in 2020.

How could Jeff Flake, who is setting record low polling numbers in Arizona and was therefore humiliatingly forced out of his own Senate seat without even a fight (and who doesn’t have a clue), think about running for office, even a lower one, again? Let’s face it, he’s a Flake!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2018

The bill would allow a 60-day period after submission from the president to Congress, and would guarantee legislation the opportunity for a debate and vote.

Congressional Republicans are mostly at odds with what they view as Trump’s protectionist instincts on trade. Despite much hand-wringing, prospects for any bill to challenge him remain uncertain.

U.S. Sens. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Heidi Heitkamp(D-N.D.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) joined Flake in introducing the legislation to challenge Trump.

Trump took office promising to rip up trade deals and crack down on unfair trading practices. But that campaign slogan is at odds with Republicans’ longstanding preference for free markets and open trade.

The standoff is raising an uncomfortable question: If Republicans can’t confront Trump on trade, can they challenge him on anything?

“For Republicans, this is who we are,” Flake said. “If we believe our own rhetoric — on trade, tariffs and congressional prerogative — I hope it does come to a vote.”

The bill is targeting Trump’s so-called 232 authority, named from the section in the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allowed the administration to impose tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum from Mexico, Canada and the European Union.

The senators are also hoping to halt the president’s threat of tariffs on auto imports, including those from Japan.

“While we agree on the need to ensure the international trade system is fair for American workers, companies and consumers, unfortunately, the administration is abusing Section 232 authority delegated to the president by Congress,” Coker said in a statement.

“Making claims regarding national security to justify what is inherently an economic question not only harms the very people we all want to help and impairs relations with our allies but also could invite our competitors to retaliate.”

Corker acknowledged the difficulty in passing legislation despite “tremendous concern” to challenge Trump among lawmakers in both parties.

“If the president truly believes invoking Section 232 is necessary to protect the United States from a genuine threat, he should make the case to Congress and to the American people and do the hard work necessary to secure congressional approval,” Coker said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow @KTAR923