The Trade Guys — “Rep. Suzan DelBene Returns”
Podcast: The Trade Guys (CSIS)
Date: May 27, 2025
Special Guest: Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA-1)
Episode Overview
This episode brings back Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, a leading voice on trade from the House Ways and Means Committee, to unpack the latest developments in U.S. trade policy, congressional authority over tariffs, the chaos of current trade strategies, and the impact on both national and regional economies. With trade experts Scott Miller and Bill Reinsch, the conversation centers on the repercussions of recent legislation, executive overreach, and the consequences of unpredictable tariff policies—especially under the Trump administration. DelBene offers deep insights into congressional-executive relations, the economic pain felt by her constituents in Washington State, and her outlook on the future of trade and globalization.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Reconciliation Bill’s Trade Provisions and Congressional Authority
[02:18–03:57 | 04:12–05:10]
- DelBene calls the latest reconciliation bill “very, very ugly,” citing deep healthcare cuts and an increased debt deficit, emphasizing these damage long-term economic stability.
- She underscores that a strong economy demands predictability in trade—something absent in this bill.
- DelBene had proposed amendments requiring Congress to vote on major tariff actions, but says these were “voted down on a party line vote.”
“It should be very, very clear that the President has to come to Congress before he can impose sweeping tariffs. But unfortunately, these amendments were voted down on a party line vote.” – DelBene [02:54]
- She warns against the “chaotic trade policy” and absence of congressional oversight, lamenting lost opportunities for bipartisan agreement.
2. Presidential Power, Emergency Declarations & Abuse of IEEPA
[04:12–07:14]
- The Congressman contends current presidential trade actions abuse powers granted for true emergencies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- She points to the Trump administration’s broad claims of emergency to justify tariffs—particularly the declaration against Canada regarding fentanyl, describing them as “fake emergencies.”
“Trump made a declaration that there was an emergency with Canada because of fentanyl… That’s just wrong.” – DelBene [06:09]
- Efforts to force floor votes in the House on terminating these emergencies have been blocked by Republican leadership via procedural maneuvers:
“Republicans actually hid in a bill that had nothing to do with trade a provision that said they didn’t have to take up these particular bills on the floor. So there was never a vote.” – DelBene [05:48]
- She challenges opponents:
"If you're okay with the President having all this authority, then why are you afraid to vote on it?" [06:45]
3. Ongoing Lawsuits Over Presidential Trade Authority
[07:14–09:14]
- There are “about eight lawsuits” challenging the executive’s sweeping trade authority; the outcomes could define boundaries between legislative and executive powers on trade.
- DelBene argues the Constitution is clear and warns of the dangers of executive overreach, linking such practices to corruption:
“If the only way a deal gets done is that you have to go personally meet with the executive … it can change day to day. That is corrupt.” [07:34]
4. Tariffs’ Real-World Impact in Washington State
[09:14–11:18]
- As a representative from a border state, DelBene shares local fallout from trade tensions:
- Example: A winery lost all its British Columbia market overnight following tariffs.
- Tourism and everyday business across the border have dropped significantly.
“Products that are sold into Canada … that's really devastating for our region. … Four out of ten jobs in Washington State are dependent on trade.” [10:38]
5. Lack of Strategy and Transparency in US Trade Negotiations
[11:18–16:54]
- DelBene is deeply concerned about the administration’s ad hoc, personality-driven approach to trade:
“There’s no plan. … What is the plan with these tariffs? … Is there a goal that was trying to be achieved? Not at all.” [11:43]
- Even within the executive branch, she asserts, there is confusion—citing a USTR official who was “caught off guard” by a presidential announcement during a congressional hearing [14:21].
- She finds recent deals, such as with the UK, insubstantial:
“The 10% tariff is still in place. … What is this? Is this a real comprehensive deal? Not at all.” [16:06]
- The lack of communication and even basic briefing from the U.S. Trade Representative compounds Congressional frustration.
6. Congressional Oversight, TPA Renewal, and Institutional Weakness
[18:01–24:00]
- Congress’s role is being eroded; even though constitutionally empowered, it has not asserted itself.
- Discussion on Trade Promotion Authority’s lapse and uncertainty over which agreements need Congressional approval:
“Congress needs to act, and we just need to make sure there's more folks who are willing to do that. … Many Republicans who would have agreed with that just a few months ago suddenly are silent.” [19:56]
- Institutional inertia and partisanship are highlighted as obstacles.
7. State of Globalization and Future of the Trading System
[26:29–30:13]
- DelBene is asked if the system is veering toward fragmentation and protectionism, and whether she’s optimistic:
“We have to be really thoughtful about the things that we can and want to make sure we do at home and how we make that happen. … None of that's happening right now. What’s happening is this: tariffs going up, it’s not incentivizing more manufacturing at home. … Farmers are struggling because markets are closed… .” [28:01]
- She laments the lack of long-term strategy, investments, and stability needed for healthy globalization or strong domestic industries.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Executive Trade Power Abuse:
“It's being twisted in ways that I think were never anticipated and was not the intent of Congress.” – DelBene [04:22]
-
On the Real Cost of Tariffs:
“From the day before the President's actions, [the winery] was selling about 30% of their product in British Columbia. The day after all this happened, no more product.” – DelBene [10:13]
-
On Congressional Inaction:
“If you’re okay with the President having all this authority, why are you afraid to vote on it?” – DelBene [06:45]
-
On the Absence of a Trade Plan:
“Is there a goal that was trying to be achieved? Not at all. That’s why I said this is extremely concerning. When it is at the whim of the President…how do you expect another country to make a solid agreement?” – DelBene [12:00]
-
On Globalization’s Future:
“There’s always going to be this important international conversation, but also an important conversation about the policies that we have at home that allow us to truly manufacture. None of that's happening right now.” – DelBene [28:01]
-
On Business Concerns:
“Uncertainty is really the killer here. If you don't know what's going to happen next…and if you’re not confident that any deal that you make is going to stick…the goalposts aren't going to be moved, you're going to be reluctant to enter into the deal.” – Bill Reinsch [30:13]
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:54 — Introduction of Rep. DelBene and episode themes
- 02:18–03:57 — DelBene critiques trade elements of the reconciliation bill
- 04:12–05:10 — Discussion on congressional vs presidential trade authority
- 06:09 — DelBene on “fake emergency” declarations, especially toward Canada
- 09:14–11:18 — The human and economic impact of tariffs in Washington State
- 11:43–13:36 — Critique of “plan-less” trade deals; need for congressional oversight
- 14:21 — Anecdote: USTR official caught off guard by Trump announcement
- 16:06–16:54 — Substantive emptiness of recent UK trade agreement
- 18:01–24:00 — The challenge of reasserting congressional authority; Trade Promotion Authority
- 26:29–30:13 — Philosophical reflections on globalization’s direction and need for strategy
- 30:13 — Bill’s summary: “Uncertainty is really the killer here.”
Final Thoughts
Rep. DelBene makes a pointed, deeply informed case for restoring both congressional authority and predictability to the U.S. trade regime. The episode delivers a sobering picture of trade policy driven by executive whim, undermining both domestic industries and international trust. She calls for bipartisan courage and structural reform, even as she expresses concern about the current lack of political will.
“Hopefully we can find a way where we can be more optimistic towards the future. But I think we need some more courage from some of my colleagues to help us get there.” – DelBene [31:07]
For listeners seeking a sharp overview of Washington’s trade debate—this episode offers candid, expert-level insight into what’s broken, what’s at stake, and what’s needed to fix it.