Two Senators Push Bill to Force Trump to Get Congressional Approval of Tariffs

Two senators have introduced a bill that would curb President Trump’s ability to impose new tariffs, just one day after he rolled out a sweeping trade plan. The proposed law would shift trade authority back to Congress—but its chances of passing look slim.

Key Facts:

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025 on Thursday.
The bill would require the president to notify Congress of any new tariffs within 48 hours and get approval within 60 days.
Trump announced a new tariff strategy during his “Liberation Day” speech on Wednesday.
Grassley says the bill is about reasserting Congress’s constitutional role in trade.
The bill follows a failed resolution to repeal Trump’s emergency tariffs on Canadian imports.

The Rest of The Story:

The Trade Review Act of 2025 aims to reassert congressional control over U.S. tariff policy by requiring the president to justify and seek approval for new trade measures.

Under the proposal, any new tariffs would need congressional sign-off within 60 days or automatically expire.

Senator Grassley, often a Trump ally but critical of tariffs, said the executive branch has overstepped its trade authority.

He believes Congress must regain its constitutional role in regulating commerce.

Senator Cantwell warned that Trump’s tariffs would raise costs for consumers and hurt sectors like agriculture and technology—key industries in both their states.

BREAKING: Senators Chuck Grassley (R) and Maria Cantwell (D) introduced a bipartisan bill to reassert Congress’s authority over tariffs. It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing new tariffs, which would expire unless Congress approves them within… pic.twitter.com/8XznOAkyWo

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 3, 2025

This bill follows Trump’s announcement of a broad new tariff strategy.

He likened the economic pain caused by tariffs to a medical operation, saying the U.S. economy is recovering and will emerge stronger.

Meanwhile, a Senate resolution to overturn emergency tariffs on Canadian imports failed to gain traction and is expected to die in the House.

Commentary:

Let’s be clear—this bill is political theater.

Congress, especially in today’s divided landscape, is not positioned to control or respond quickly to fast-moving global trade decisions.

Grassley and Cantwell may want to seem proactive, but this bill won’t go far.

President Trump is doing exactly what he said he would: putting America first.

Tariffs have always been a tool to protect U.S. jobs, industries, and national interests.

Voters knew this when they elected him, and they still support strong trade actions against nations that have taken advantage of American markets for decades.

Yes, tariffs may lead to short-term economic discomfort.

The markets might wobble.

Prices on certain goods could rise.

But Americans didn’t vote for business as usual—they voted for fair trade, a stronger manufacturing base, and fewer one-sided deals that ship jobs overseas.

Critics claim that tariffs hurt consumers, but they rarely talk about how unfair trade hurts American workers, small businesses, and long-term economic independence.

Trump’s approach is a correction, not a crisis.

The senators know this bill has no real path forward.

It’s a move to show their voters they’re “doing something,” even if it amounts to nothing.

The real authority in trade policy—like it or not—sits with the president.

And Trump is using it to fulfill promises that resonate with millions.

The Bottom Line:

This bill from Grassley and Cantwell is a symbolic gesture with little chance of passing.

Trump is acting within his powers and following through on his trade promises.

While some in Congress try to reclaim control, the president continues to lead on the issue that helped define his presidency: putting American trade interests first.