Seven Republican senators join forces with Democrats in a groundbreaking legislative move to restrict presidential authority over trade policies.
According to Newsmax, the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 aims to limit President Donald Trump's unilateral power to impose tariffs on U.S. trading partners by requiring congressional notification and approval.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), represents a significant shift in congressional oversight of executive trade decisions. Under the proposed bill, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing tariffs and secure congressional approval within 60 days.
Notable Republican senators backing the bill include Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Jerry Moran, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, Todd Young, and Susan Collins. Their support signals growing concern within the GOP about expanding executive authority over trade matters.
The legislation demands comprehensive impact assessments from the administration regarding potential effects of tariffs on U.S. businesses and consumers. This requirement aims to ensure informed decision-making in trade policy.
Sen. Chuck Grassley expressed his stance on congressional authority:
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 Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress' constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy.
The White House has taken a firm stance against the proposed legislation. Trump's administration issued a strong response through an official statement:
If passed, this bill would dangerously hamper the President's authority and duty to determine our foreign policy and protect our national security. If S. 1272 were presented to the President, he would veto the bill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have aligned themselves with the White House position. Their support for the administration suggests potential obstacles for the bill's passage.
Democratic support for the legislation includes prominent senators Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, Michael Bennet, Peter Welch, Chris Coons, and Richard Blumenthal. The bill draws inspiration from the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which established limits on presidential military action.
The bill's introduction follows Trump's recent invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This executive action resulted in reciprocal tariffs affecting more than 180 countries and territories.
Despite bipartisan support, the legislation faces significant hurdles. The possibility of securing enough votes to override a presidential veto appears unlikely given current congressional dynamics.
The bill's fate could significantly impact future U.S. trade relationships and the balance of power between executive and legislative branches in trade policy decisions.
The Trade Review Act of 2025 represents a bold attempt by seven Republican senators and their Democratic colleagues to reshape presidential trade authority. The bipartisan legislation seeks to establish congressional oversight over tariff decisions while requiring thorough economic impact assessments. While President Trump has threatened to veto the bill if it reaches his desk, the continued support from influential senators on both sides of the aisle suggests an ongoing debate about the separation of powers in U.S. trade policy.
