Governors Urge Congress to Reclaim Tariff Authority

Oregon's Governor Kotek joins 18 other state leaders in calling for Congress to take back control over trade policy.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:36am

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Governor Kotek of Oregon has joined 18 other state governors in signing a letter urging Congress to reclaim its authority over tariffs. The letter comes after a recent Supreme Court ruling and argues that Congress should work across party lines to restore meaningful control over trade policy that affects the daily lives of Americans.

Why it matters

Oregon's economy is heavily dependent on international trade, with local manufacturers, farmers, ports, and small businesses deeply connected to global markets. Governor Kotek has warned that tariffs imposed without clear legal authority threaten to raise costs for working families while undermining Oregon businesses that rely on stable trade relationships.

The details

Last week, Governor Kotek supported a new legal challenge led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and a coalition of states pushing back against the latest round of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues the administration is unlawfully imposing sweeping tariffs that will drive up prices and hurt trade-dependent states like Oregon. Last year, the governor convened a roundtable with Oregon businesses, manufacturers, and exporters to discuss the impact of the administration's initial tariffs, with participants describing rising costs for materials, supply chain disruptions, and growing uncertainty about their ability to compete globally.

  • Last week, Governor Kotek supported a new legal challenge against the latest round of tariffs.
  • Last year, Governor Kotek convened a roundtable with Oregon businesses to discuss the impact of initial tariffs.

The players

Governor Kotek

The Governor of Oregon who joined 18 other state governors in signing a letter urging Congress to reclaim its authority over tariffs.

Dan Rayfield

The Oregon Attorney General who is leading a coalition of states in a legal challenge against the latest round of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state governments, the federal government, and the courts over the authority to impose tariffs, which have significant economic impacts on trade-dependent states like Oregon. It underscores the need for Congress to reassert its constitutional role in setting trade policy to protect American businesses and consumers.