Another Republican Senator Makes Move Targeting Trump Tariffs

Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, joined Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington in introducing a bipartisan bill to rein in presidential authority over tariffs and give Congress more control over future trade duties.

Why It Matters

The bipartisan bill comes a day after President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day," in which he imposed a new round of sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, reigniting debate over executive power in trade policy.

Several Republicans, many of whom are Trump allies, have raised concerns about Trump's tariffs, warning that they will raise prices and derail the economy. Many economists have warned that significant tariffs could spark a recession and that American consumers would end up shouldering the burden of the tariffs as importers pass on costs in the form of higher prices.

On the other hand, Trump has said that tariffs would boost domestic manufacturing, bring in revenue and restore fairness to global trade.

What To Know

The bill, titled "Trade Review Act of 2025," states that within 48 hours after imposing or increasing a duty, the president must submit to Congress an "explanation of the reasoning for imposing or increasing the duty and an assessment of the potential impact of imposing or increasing the duty on United States businesses and consumers."

Both Cantwell and Grassley are members of the Senate Finance Committee.

The bill also states that any new tariffs will expire within 60 days unless Congress approves them. Both chambers can pass a "joint resolution of disapproval" to terminate the tariff before the 60-day deadline.

It comes the day after Trump levied global tariffs, which were much higher than experts had expected, leading to a significant stock market drop. On Thursday, the S&P 500 opened down over 3 percent, following declines in Asia and Europe, with other indexes also experiencing substantial losses.

Grassley joins a small but vocal group of Republicans expressing skepticism about tariffs, such as Senator Rand Paul, who told Fox News on Wednesday that tariffs were a "bad idea" for the economy, a similar sentiment expressed by Senator Mitch McConnell, who called them "bad policy." Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Thursday that he would support the bill if it advances through the Senate to a vote.

On Wednesday, Senator Susan Collins warned on the Senate floor that tariffs would hurt families in her home state of Maine, which shares a border with Canada.

The bipartisan bill follows an effort on Wednesday when a handful of Republican senators voted in favor of a measure that would effectively terminate the national emergency declaration used to green-light tariffs on Canadian imports.

What People Are Saying

Senator Maria Cantwell, in a statement Thursday: "This bill reasserts Congress's role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public."

Senator Chuck Grassley, in a statement Thursday: "For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, I'm joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress's constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy."

Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, about the bill to NBC on Thursday: "I like congressional review....In trade, it's a good example," and clarified, "I'll support Grassley if it gets a vote.

Senator Susan Collins, on the Senate floor Wednesday: "The price hikes that will happen for Maine families—every time they go to the grocery store, they fill their gas tank, they fill their heating oil tank—if these tariffs go into effect will be so harmful. And as price hikes always do, they will hurt those the most who can afford them the least."

What Happens Next

Cantwell spoke on the Senate floor about the bill on Thursday. It now heads to committee for review before it can advance to a full Senate vote.

Update 4/3/25, 4:31 p.m. ET: This article was updated to include Senator Thom Tillis' comment.

Update 4/3/25, 12:42 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.