SJRES 81: A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared to impose duties on articles imported from Brazil.

SJRES 81 in plain English: This joint resolution would terminate the national emergency declared by President Trump on July 30, 2025, which imposed an additional 40% tariff on certain imports from Brazil. Ending the national emergency would also end the legal basis for that tariff.

Stated purpose

This resolution aims to end the national emergency declared by President Trump on July 30, 2025, which was used as the legal basis for imposing a 40% tariff on certain imports from Brazil.

Key points

• Terminates the national emergency Trump declared on July 30, 2025, regarding imports from Brazil
• Would remove the 40% additional tariff on certain Brazilian imports that was imposed under that emergency
• Certain products were exempted from the tariff, including civil aircraft and parts, wood pulp, precious metals, energy products, and fertilizers

Arguments supporters make

• Congress, not the president alone, should have authority over tariffs, and using an emergency declaration to impose them bypasses that role.
• A 40% tariff raises costs for American businesses and consumers who rely on Brazilian goods, and ending it would provide relief.
• Declaring a national emergency to impose routine trade tariffs stretches the legal meaning of 'emergency' and sets a broad precedent for executive power.

Arguments opponents make

• The tariff gives the U.S. leverage in trade negotiations with Brazil and ending it prematurely removes that bargaining tool.
• The president has broad authority to respond to trade imbalances or unfair practices through emergency powers, and Congress should not undercut that tool.
• Certain U.S. industries benefit from protection against Brazilian competition, and removing the tariff could harm those domestic producers and their workers.

Tradeoffs

Ending the tariff reduces costs for importers and consumers but also removes pressure on Brazil in trade negotiations and eliminates a price advantage for U.S. industries competing with Brazilian goods. The broader tension is between congressional control over trade policy and executive flexibility to respond quickly to trade concerns.

Current status in Congress: Passed Senate.

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