In this video, commentator David Webb argues that Congress has failed to address persistent tariff imbalances in U.S. trade policy for decades. Trade imbalances — where imports outweigh exports, particularly in goods — have been a major economic issue in U.S. policy discussions, and tariffs have become a central tool in attempts to correct them.

Historically, Congress seldom legislated major tariff changes after the early 20th century. The last significant tariff act passed by Congress was the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which raised duties on thousands of imports but was widely seen as exacerbating economic problems during the Great Depression. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

More recently, presidents have used executive authority to adjust tariffs without direct new legislation, leading to debates over whether Congress should reassert its constitutional trade authority. In 2025, lawmakers introduced measures like the Trade Review Act to require more oversight of tariff actions by requiring presidential reporting and congressional review. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Critics of current policy argue that high tariffs can be confusing and counterproductive, creating unpredictability for global trade partners and businesses alike, while others say that lowering or restructuring tariff imbalances requires bipartisan action that has been lacking. Recent developments illustrate ongoing global tension over tariffs, trade deficits, and the broader challenge of balancing protection with openness in the world economy. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Watch above for more of David Webb’s perspective on why he believes Congress has struggled to resolve these long-standing tariff issues.