Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have introduced a bill that requires Congress to approve new tariffs.
The bill, called the “Trade Review Act of 2025,” follows President Donald Trump announcing extensive tariffs targeting multiple international trading partners. The bill also comes as the Senate passed a resolution on April 2 seeking to terminate the emergency declaration that facilitated tariffs on Canadian imports.
The legislation states: “Not later than 48 hours after imposing or increasing a duty with respect to an article imported into the United States, the President shall submit to Congress a notification of the imposition of or increase in the duty” that includes an explanation for the duty and an assessment of the duty’s impact.
“Any duty on an article imported into the United States shall remain in effect for a period of not more than 60 days, unless there is enacted into law a joint resolution of approval,” the bill says.
“For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” Grassley said in a statement. “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’ constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy.”
Cantwell said that because trade wars can be “devastating,” the “Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade.”
“This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,” she said. “As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”
