Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) A prominent House Democrat urged the Republican-controlled chamber to take action on a bill aimed at eliminating tariffs established under a national emergency declared by former President Donald Trump, claiming these duties are increasing expenses for American households.

“We should be voting today to end these tariffs and lower costs for everyday Americans,” stated Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, the senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, passionately advocating for action on S.J.Res.88, which has already received Senate approval.

He criticized the current House majority as “paralyzed by fear,” branding it as one of the least effective in recent memory.

Meeks emphasized that voters sent their representatives to Washington to address affordability issues.

“To lower the cost of health care, housing, and groceries,” he noted. Yet, he claimed, Congress has held fewer votes in 2025 than in any non-pandemic year of this century.

“Apparently, the Majority doesn’t think affordability is important enough to vote on,” he remarked.

He accused the White House of focusing on distractions instead of addressing prices.

“Instead of focusing on prices, the White House has spent the past week talking about invading Greenland or using your taxpayer dollars to buy an island that isn't for sale,” Meeks stated.

Meeks mentioned that Trump had threatened another round of tariffs that would have further increased costs, but those threats were retracted “after the stock market tanked yesterday.”

The New York Democrat insisted that Congress should act independently of presidential actions. “We are a co-equal branch of government,” Meeks asserted, urging lawmakers to pass the resolutions already approved by the Senate to abolish the tariffs.

He contested the legal rationale presented by House leaders, stating that the Speaker claimed the president was utilizing Article II powers to impose tariffs. “Only there’s one problem,” Meeks said.

“The President has no Article II powers to tax or tariff.” He clarified that these powers are vested in Congress under Article I of the Constitution.

Meeks accused the Republican majority of shielding the president, asserting they were more focused on “providing cover for Donald Trump than honoring their oath to the Constitution.”

The Senate passed S.J.Res.88 on October 30, 2025, with a 51-47 vote, aiming to terminate the national emergency declared on April 2, 2025. This declaration imposed a 10 percent tariff on most imports into the United States, along with additional duties on selected trading partners.

Tariffs have been utilized by U.S. administrations as a trade instrument. Critics argue they elevate consumer prices and disrupt supply chains, while supporters contend they protect domestic industries and enhance bargaining leverage in trade negotiations.