In a decisive move to reshape U.S. trade law, House Republican leaders are establishing a new working group to examine tariff policy, seek reform, and restore Congress's constitutional role in setting trade duties. The announcement comes amid growing pressure within the party to curtail the broad tariff powers exercised under former President Donald Trump.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) agreed to form the group after negotiating with GOP members who had threatened to withhold their votes on a procedural measure. In exchange for their support, Johnson also committed to advancing a separate bill this week that would shorten the extension window for emergency tariff powers from March to January.

Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) reversed their initial opposition following these assurances. "The new Republican conference working group will address the tariff issue, including possible measures to modify existing policy and clarify Congress' role in setting that policy," said McClintock.

Bacon confirmed he will serve on the group alongside "other concerned members."

The House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade legislation, is expected to play a key role. Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) is a contender to lead the group. "There was discussion about that, but details haven't been set," Smith told Agri-Pulse.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), also on Ways and Means, expressed strong interest in joining. She emphasized the need for targeted, strategic tariffs while maintaining confidence in Trump's trade framework. "We should be focusing the tariffs on the most egregious nations treating our country very unfairly," she said, adding that restoring balance in trade is "a work in progress."

Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to regulate trade and impose tariffs, although over time it has delegated significant authority to the executive branch. Recent legislative efforts, including a bipartisan bill from Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), have aimed to reclaim Congressional control, but with limited success.

The issue has gained urgency as courts scrutinize the scope of presidential tariff powers. Earlier this year, the Court of International Trade ruled that the president overstepped constitutional limits by using emergency powers to impose broad tariffs. That decision was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and is now set to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, with oral arguments scheduled for November.

"The power to impose tariffs is a Congressional power and needs to be restored to Congress," McClintock wrote in a statement explaining his changed vote.

For the U.S. agricultural sector, the implications are significant. Tariffs directly affect commodity prices, input costs, market access, and the competitiveness of American exports. As producers continue to manage tight margins and navigate a volatile global trade landscape, policy clarity becomes crucial.

Agribusiness stakeholders, co-ops, and farm-state lawmakers will be closely monitoring this group's progress. Any resulting reforms could influence crop insurance risk models, supply chain resilience, and long-term trade strategy, especially in light of continued geopolitical tensions.

While the group's composition and specific objectives are still unfolding, its formation signals a growing consensus among Republicans that Congress must reassert its trade authority-a shift that could mark a turning point in U.S. tariff governance.

"This is about accountability and restoring balance," said one Republican aide familiar with the discussions. "And that starts with Congress reclaiming the tools it constitutionally owns."