A bipartisan group of seven Republican senators, including prominent figures Chuck Grassley and Mitch McConnell, has taken a bold stance against President Trump's unilateral trade decisions.

According to The Hill, the newly introduced Trade Review Act of 2025 would require congressional approval for Trump's proposed tariffs on trading partners, marking a significant shift in trade policy oversight.

The legislation represents a direct challenge to presidential authority over trade matters, with support from both sides of the political aisle. Democratic senators including Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, and Michael Bennet have joined forces with their Republican colleagues to back this transformative bill.

Congressional oversight seeks to limit presidential trade authority

The proposed legislation introduces strict requirements for presidential tariff actions. Under the new rules, the administration must notify Congress within 48 hours of implementing new tariffs or increasing existing ones.

The bill's most significant provision establishes a 60-day sunset clause for any new tariffs. Without explicit congressional approval through a joint resolution, these trade measures would automatically expire after the designated period.

Trump's administration has already voiced strong opposition to the legislation. The White House budget office released a statement Monday expressing concern that the bill would severely restrict the president's ability to address national emergencies and foreign threats.

Bipartisan coalition strengthens congressional trade oversight

Sen. Chuck Grassley, serving as the Senate's president pro tempore, offered his perspective on the necessity of congressional involvement in trade decisions. His statement emphasizes the historical context of Congress's diminishing role in trade policy:

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 Sen. 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 legislation draws inspiration from the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which established congressional oversight of military actions. This parallel demonstrates the senators' determination to create similar checks on presidential trade authority.

White House resistance meets legislative determination

The administration's firm stance against the bill highlights growing tensions between executive and legislative branches. Trump's recent implementation of reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories showcases the extensive reach of presidential trade powers.

The White House's opposition statement reflects concerns about maintaining presidential authority in emergency situations. Administration officials argue that the proposed legislation would hamper their ability to respond swiftly to international economic challenges.

Senior Republican support for the bill, including former Senate Republican leader McConnell, suggests growing congressional appetite for trade policy reform. The bipartisan nature of the support indicates broader institutional concerns about executive branch overreach in trade matters.

Congress and White House square off over trade policy

The Trade Review Act of 2025, championed by seven Republican senators, including Chuck Grassley and Mitch McConnell, aims to curtail President Trump's authority to impose unilateral tariffs without congressional approval. The legislation would require presidential notification of new tariffs within 48 hours and congressional approval for their continuation beyond 60 days.

Despite Trump's veto threat and strong White House opposition, the bipartisan coalition of senators remains committed to reasserting congressional authority over trade policy. The bill's future hinges on its ability to gather sufficient support to overcome potential presidential resistance, while addressing concerns about national emergency response capabilities.