Working to Protect Free and Open Trade With Our Allies

On Wednesday, Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced legislation to require congressional approval of tariffs designated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

The legislation, cosponsored by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.),  Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) requires the president to submit to Congress any proposal to adjust imports in the interest of national security under Section 232. For a 60-day period following submission, legislation to approve the proposal will qualify for expedited consideration, guaranteeing the opportunity for debate and a vote. The requirement would apply to all Section 232 actions moving forward, as well as those taken within the past two years. 

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

Learn more about the legislation here.

After the legislation was introduced, it attracted a wide range of support, including from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation, Koch Industries, Americans for Prosperity, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, and many more. See the growing list of endorsements and see what these organizations are saying about the legislation here.

Middle Tennessee Public Radio: Economist says Tenn. will suffer more than most states as a result of Pres. Trump's tariffs

Welcoming Tennesseans to Washington

Last week, Senators Corker and Alexander hosted more than 100 Tennesseans at “Tennessee Tuesday,” a regular breakfast held on Capitol Hill every week the Senate is in session for visitors from the Volunteer State. For more information, click here.

Senator Corker last week sat down with Baylor School (Chattanooga) students during their trip to Washington and took their questions on a wide range of topics. 

Senator Corker last week met with members of the Tennessee Health Care Association and discussed their work to seek solutions to issues facing long-term care.

Improvements for the Lamar Avenue Corridor Are Critical for Continued Economic Development in West Tennessee

On Wednesday, Senator Corker released a statement following the announcement that the city of Memphis and the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will receive a $71 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program to widen lanes and support critical roadway improvements along the Lamar Avenue corridor.

“This announcement is outstanding news for the people and businesses of the Greater Memphis region,” said Corker. “Lamar Avenue is not only a significant freight corridor linking other states and countries together but also is home to some of the Volunteer State’s largest employers. These improvements are critical for the continued economic development of the area, and I thank all of those who have worked to make this possible.”

On October 11, 2017, Corker sent U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao a letter in support of TDOT and the city of Memphis’ application for INFRA funds.