# Plain Language Summary: Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025

This bill is about who gets to decide on tariffs—taxes on imported goods. Right now, the President has pretty broad power to raise tariffs by claiming it's for national security reasons. This bill would take some of that power back and require Congress to approve it first in most situations.

Here's what would change: If the President wants to impose new tariffs claiming national security is at stake, they'd have to submit their proposal to Congress and get approval through a special vote. The President would need to provide detailed information about what products would be affected, what the new tax rates would be, and how long they'd last. The Defense Department would have to explain why it's actually a national security issue, and an independent trade commission would have to assess how it would affect the American economy and different industries. Then Congress would have 15 days to introduce a resolution approving or rejecting the plan, and both chambers would vote on it. If Congress doesn't approve it, the tariffs can't go into effect. The only exception is if there's a genuine emergency—like a natural disaster or imminent threat to public safety—in which case the President could impose tariffs for 120 days while Congress considers it.

The bill also puts similar restrictions on the U.S. Trade Representative, who negotiates trade deals. They'd have to notify Congress before imposing new duties or import restrictions, wait 60 days for Congress to review it, and Congress could pass a disapproval resolution to block it. Essentially, this bill shifts trade decisions from being mostly a presidential power to requiring Congressional involvement and approval, giving lawmakers a say in tariff decisions that affect prices consumers pay and which industries get protected.