Former Rep. Mike Rogers Backs Presidential Tariff Authority in Senate Bid

Former Congressman Mike Rogers, currently campaigning for a Senate seat, has expressed his support for a proposal that would empower the president to impose reciprocal tariffs. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Rogers, who served in Congress from 2001 to 2015 and chaired the House Intelligence Committee, aligned himself with former President Donald Trump’s initiative to pass the Reciprocal Trade Act. This legislation would enhance presidential control over U.S. tariffs, although Rogers refrained from endorsing Trump’s suggestion of a blanket 10% tariff, which would mark a significant shift in Republican trade policy. Rogers, identifying as a proponent of free markets, emphasized the unfairness of a trade system where other countries impose tariffs while the U.S. does not. He also indicated a willingness to consider a lower corporate tax rate, stressing the need for a comprehensive review of tax policy. He argued that corporate taxes ultimately burden job creation and highlighted the importance of retaining businesses within the U.S. as opposed to allowing them to relocate to lower-tax regions. In light of looming financial challenges, including the projected exhaustion of the Medicare and Social Security trust funds, Rogers noted the necessity for legislative measures to stabilize the public debt-to-GDP ratio. He also voiced strong support for expanding nuclear energy, particularly through the development of small modular reactors, which he believes could provide a quick and effective solution to energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.