Why did parliament believe it was necessary to pass the tea act?

Parliament believed it was necessary to pass the Tea Act in 1773 to help the struggling British East India Company, which was facing financial difficulties due to surplus tea stocks. The act aimed to reduce tea prices in the American colonies by allowing the company to sell directly to consumers, bypassing colonial merchants. Additionally, it was seen as a way to assert Britain's right to tax the colonies, reinforcing the idea of British authority. However, this move ultimately fueled colonial resentment and contributed to the growing desire for independence.