CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Trade policy covers tariffs, free-trade agreements, export controls, sanctions, and U.S. participation in the IMF and World Bank. Congress has constitutional authority over tariffs but has delegated much of the day-to-day to the executive branch through trade promotion authority.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • House Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
  • House Committee on Ways and Means
  • Senate Committee on Finance
  • Military and Foreign Affairs

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

140 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • HR. 9161 — Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act

    Sponsor:
    Haley M. Stevens · Democratic · MI
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  • HR. 9092 — Thwarting Regional Adversary Investments Now Act

    Sponsor:
    Scott Fitzgerald · Republican · WI
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

  • S. 1473 — Stop Stealing our Chips Act

    Sponsor:
    Mike Rounds · Republican · SD
    Latest action:
    Held at the desk.

  • HRES. 1286 — Calling for a trade policy that supports workers, consumers, independent farmers, small businesses, and the environment.

    Sponsor:
    Rosa L. DeLauro · Democratic · CT
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  • HR. 8744 — TREE Act

    Sponsor:
    Lloyd Doggett · Democratic · TX
    Latest action:
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  • HR. 8730 — Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    John R. Moolenaar · Republican · MI
    Latest action:
    Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  • HR. 8687 — ENDS Chinese Vapes Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Ashley Hinson · Republican · IA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  • HR. 8670 — Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act

    Sponsor:
    Brad Sherman · Democratic · CA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Frequently asked

Who sets tariffs?

Constitutionally, Congress sets tariffs. But Congress has delegated significant authority to the President through laws like Section 232 (national security tariffs) and Section 301 (unfair trade practice tariffs). The relationship between executive tariff authority and Congressional oversight is an active area of debate.