Flake Introduces Bill to Nullify Steel, Aluminum Tariffs, but Low Odds Given For Measure

Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who is not seeking re-election, on Monday introduced legislation that would nullify the tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on steel and aluminum imports. Mexico and Canada, which are in the process of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States, are initially exempted from the new tariffs. Flake said those exemptions would lead to uncertainty among other countries.While Senate Republicans are largely unified in their opposition to the new tariffs, GOP leaders will not likely seek to advance the bill. Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said: “I’m not really happy with what the president’s done. I’m hoping we can resolve this. And the president’s been thinking it over too.”As for the White House, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday, before Flake formally introduced his bill. “The president has been clear for quite some time what his position is and what his authority is under the 232 statute, and we’re moving forward.”