Moderate democratic lawmakers urge White House to remove auto tariff threat

A group of moderate Democratic lawmakers has sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to remove any threat of unilateral tariffs on automobiles and auto parts under Section 232 of U.S. trade law.

The letter was signed by members of Trade Task Force of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), a caucus of 101 centrists, and was sent to the president on Wednesday.

The nine members said they "remain deeply concerned" about the findings of the Commerce Department's Section 232 investigation into imported automobiles and auto parts, arguing that these products should not impair national security.

"Imposing tariffs under Section 232 on autos and auto parts for reasons not related to national security concerns clearly oversteps the authority granted by Congress," the letter read.

The group urged the president to "abandon any further action" that threatens the U.S. automotive sector, auto workers and the economy.

In February, the Commerce Department submitted a report to the White House on whether to impose tariffs on imported cars and auto parts on national security grounds, drawing backlash from auto makers, suppliers and industry groups.

The Commerce Department launched the investigation in May 2018 at the president's request.

The Trump administration has repeatedly invoked the previously seldom-used Section 232, drawing strong opposition from the domestic and international business community.

The president has 90 days to decide whether to adopt the commerce department's recommendations and introduce tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.