Seven Republican senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that seeks to curb President Donald Trump's authority to unilaterally impose tariffs on U.S. trading partners by requiring him to notify Congress of his intention.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the measure's lead co-sponsor, was joined by Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Todd Young, R-Ind., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, in supporting the Trade Review Act of 2025, according to The Hill.
The legislation would require the president to notify Congress of impending tariffs within 48 hours of their being imposed while mandating that such tariffs receive congressional approval within 60 days. Under terms of the bill, Congress could withdraw any tariff at any time.
Additionally, the administration would have to provide an assessment of the possible impact imposing or increasing tariffs could have on U.S. businesses and consumers.
In a statement, Grassley said Congress must reclaim its authority on trade and tariffs.
"For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch," he said. "Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee chairman, I'm joining [Washington Democrat Sen. Maria] Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress' constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy."
Trump has threatened to veto the bill in the unlikely event it reaches his desk.
"If passed, this bill would dangerously hamper the President's authority and duty to determine our foreign policy and protect our national security," a White House statement of administration policy viewed by Axios said. "If S. 1272 were presented to the President, he would veto the bill."
The odds of the bill clearing both chambers of Congress and garnering enough signatures to override the president's veto appear slim. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., seem to be standing by the White House.
Besides Cantwell, Democrat co-sponsors of the legislation reportedly include Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Mark Warner of Virginia, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Peter Welch of Vermont, Chris Coons of Delaware and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
The Hill reported that the bill is modeled on the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which lets Congress limit the president's ability to initiate or escalate foreign military action.
Last week, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.