Three Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have launched a formal effort to overturn President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs—totaling up to 50 per cent—on Indian imports. The lawmakers introduced a joint resolution on Friday that seeks to terminate the national emergency declaration used to justify the punitive duties.
The Target: National Emergency Declaration
The resolution, spearheaded by Representatives Deborah Ross (North Carolina), Marc Veasey (Texas), and Indian-American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi (Illinois), aims to end the national emergency that President Trump declared in August 2025.
This declaration invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law that grants the President broad authority to regulate economic transactions in response to an extraordinary threat to national security, foreign policy, or the economy that originates substantially outside the United States.
Details of the Tariff Increase
The tariff regime was implemented in two stages under President Trump’s order:
- Initial Duty: Indian products were first hit with a 25 per cent tariff starting August 1, 2025.
- Secondary Duty: Days later, an additional 25 per cent “secondary” duty was imposed, raising the total levy on many items to 50 per cent.
The White House had justified this aggressive trade measure by citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that this trade indirectly supported Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Lawmakers Warn of Economic Fallout
The Democratic lawmakers universally labeled the tariffs as “illegal” and “counterproductive,” stating that the measures ultimately hurt American interests, supply chains, and the long-term strategic relationship with India.
- Impact on North Carolina: Congresswoman Ross emphasized the damage to her state, noting that Indian companies have invested over $1 billion in North Carolina, creating thousands of jobs in sectors like life sciences and technology. She warned the tariffs put jobs, innovation, and competitiveness at risk.
- Tax on Consumers: Congressman Veasey argued that India is a key cultural, economic, and strategic partner, and the “illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability.”
- Supply Chain Disruption: Congressman Krishnamoorthi stated the duties “disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers,” stressing that ending the tariffs would strengthen US-India economic and security cooperation.
Broader Congressional Pushback
This House resolution follows a recent, separate bipartisan measure that was passed by the U.S. Senate to end similar emergency-based tariffs imposed on Brazil.
The resolution is part of a broader, sustained effort by congressional Democrats to reclaim Congress’s constitutional authority over trade and to reset strained bilateral ties with New Delhi. Earlier in October, Ross, Veasey, Krishnamoorthi, and 19 other lawmakers had already urged President Trump to reverse his tariff policies.
What’s Next? If passed by the House, the resolution would formally terminate the national emergency declared in August 2025, thereby rolling back the additional duties imposed on imports from India.