Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced legislation yesterday to “reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy.” The Trade Review Act of 2025 would “reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.” According to the press releases from Cantwell and Grassley’s offices:
The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:
- To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
- The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
- Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
- Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
- Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
- Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.
Cantwell also released a statement on April 2 condemning the increased costs from Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement and the “economic chaos” caused by his “unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements.”