Stein Joins 18 governors Urging Congress to Reclaim Tariff Authority After Supreme Court Ruling

Josh Stein joined 18 other governors on March 11 in urging Congress to reassert its authority over tariffs following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that found the president does not have unilateral authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

In a letter to congressional leaders, the governors asked lawmakers to establish clear limits on presidential tariff power and ensure Congress reviews major trade actions that affect the national economy.

“Too many North Carolina families are already feeling the squeeze of high prices, and the volatility caused by the federal administration’s tariffs is further exacerbating their pain,” Stein said. “These tariffs are hurting consumers who are now paying higher costs and farmers selling goods overseas. Congress must act to reassert its authority on tariffs to lower costs and expand economic opportunity for North Carolinians.”

The request follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which determined that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose tariffs. The governors warned that broad tariffs imposed in recent years have increased costs for families, disrupted supply chains and strained export markets.

The letter was addressed to congressional leaders, including John Thune, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.

The governors wrote that tariffs implemented under emergency authority have “rippled through every sector” of their state economies, raising prices on everyday goods and increasing costs for businesses that rely on global supply chains. They also cited polling showing widespread public concern about the economic impact of the tariffs.

According to the letter, the court’s ruling reaffirmed that trade policy — including tariff decisions — falls under the constitutional authority of Congress. The governors urged lawmakers to create statutory guardrails requiring congressional review and approval before sweeping tariff measures can take effect.

Stein has previously warned that tariffs could undermine North Carolina’s economy, particularly industries that rely on international trade and investment.

Last year, Stein traveled to Tokyo for the Southeast United States–Japan Annual Joint Meeting, where he promoted North Carolina as a destination for international business and highlighted concerns that tariffs could discourage foreign companies from expanding operations in the United States.

During an event in Winston-Salem in 2025, the governor also said tariff-related price increases could complicate rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helene by raising construction costs and potentially limiting the number of homes built during recovery.

The governors’ letter was signed by leaders from 19 states, including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Jared Polis of Colorado, Ned Lamont of Connecticut,  Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin.

Stein said he remains focused on lowering costs and expanding economic opportunities in North Carolina. His administration has highlighted economic initiatives including workforce development efforts, debt relief programs that eliminated billions of dollars in medical debt for residents, and energy-efficiency programs designed to help households reduce utility costs.

The governors urged Congress to “seize this moment” to clarify trade policy authority and restore congressional oversight over tariffs that affect American consumers, workers and businesses.