In a rare case of Republican members of Congress opposing President Donald Trump’s executive actions, some in the party are introducing bills with Democrats that would limit the president’s ability to impose taxes on imported or exported goods.
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., told news outlets Monday he will introduce a companion bill to the Trade Review Act of 2025 from Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
The legislation would amend the Trade Act of 1974 to restore Congress’ authority to stop through a joint resolution of disapproval any duties, including tariffs, enacted by the president.
“For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” Grassley said, adding that the bill will “reassert Congress’ constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy.”
The pushback follows the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 2,200 points Friday, the largest stock tumble since 2020, after Trump introduced the global reciprocal tariffs last week.
“Trade wars can be devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade,” Cantwell said. “Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses.”
The bill also would require the executive to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing tariffs, and the notification must explain the reasoning behind the tariff and include an assessment of the potential impact on American business and consumers.
Trump says his tariffs will support American businesses and workers in the long run and “reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base.”
According to the White House Monday, the president plans to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
