Lobby Congress to pass laws like the RESTRICT Act (hypothetical name) requiring Congressional approval for broad tariffs (especially those under national security or emergency statutes) after a short duration.
Advance legislation that restores checks and balances on broad tariff powers so tariffs can’t expand indefinitely without meaningful review. This strategy focuses on a clear congressional approval mechanism for wide “emergency” or “national security” tariffs, aligning oversight with the price impacts families and businesses feel. The goal is durable guardrails that reduce surprise tariff shocks and constrain future overreach.
Why this works
- Prevents sudden tariff spikes by any president, ensuring a more measured approach that considers economic impact.
- Congress tends to be more attuned to constituent price concerns.
National Taxpayers Union
AdvocacyAdvocating for taxpayers’ interests and limited government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow National Taxpayers Union uses funding
- Define the legislative objective and the decision points that control tariff authority.
- Build the case with clear evidence of price and uncertainty impacts.
- Brief members and staff on the guardrail design and why it’s needed.
- Track amendments and vote timing; negotiate to keep the guardrails enforceable.
- Close the loop with a public readout and next steps if the bill stalls.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Guardrail bill language finalized
Near termDraft oversight text is ready with clear approval and review triggers.
- 2
Sponsors and committee path secured
This sessionKey offices agree to move the bill and schedule action.
- 3
Committee and floor movement
During legislative actionThe proposal advances with enforceable guardrails intact.
- 4
Outcome and follow-through defined
After votesPassage triggers implementation and public guidance, or a refined plan is set for the next attempt.