Two senior U.S. lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee have introduced legislation aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to impose tariffs, requiring congressional approval for new levies within 60 days.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democrat Maria Cantwell co-sponsored the bill, which would mandate that the president notify Congress before imposing new tariffs. The notification must include a detailed explanation, along with an analysis of the potential impact on U.S. businesses and consumers.
Under the proposed legislation, Congress would have to pass a joint resolution of approval within 60 days for the tariffs to remain in effect; otherwise, they would automatically expire.
“This bill reasserts Congress’ role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public,” Cantwell stated. She emphasized that lawmakers have a responsibility to prevent actions that could harm Americans.
The legislation comes amid growing concerns over Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs, which he expanded on Wednesday through emergency authority, triggering a global trade war. Markets reacted with volatility, and world leaders condemned the move, warning of disruptions to the decades-long system of trade liberalization.
Grassley, whose home state of Iowa relies heavily on agricultural exports, argued that Congress has long abdicated its constitutional authority over trade policy to the executive branch. The bill is modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and aims to restore congressional oversight of tariff decisions.
Meanwhile, the Senate took action on trade policy Wednesday, passing legislation to terminate new tariffs on Canada.
