By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/senators-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-congressional-authority-over-tariffs Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Senators introduce bipartisan bill to expand congressional authority over tariffs Politics Apr 3, 2025 6:44 PM EDT Legislation pushed by Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell would require presidents to justify new tariffs and secure congressional approval within 60 days, otherwise they would expire. WATCH: Senate passes resolution to undo Trump’s Canada tariffs in rare Republican rebuke Grassley said he was working on this long before Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs. Whether it gains traction in the Republican-controlled Congress remains to be seen. Congress already technically has authority over tariffs, but over the last century it has given much of that power to the president. This has effectively removed most of its check on executive power. Lawmakers have some standing to counter tariffs, such as nullifying a presidential emergency declaration, but such resolutions need to pass both chambers and then either be signed by the president, or have the votes to override a veto. Find more of our coverage TIMELINE: Trump’s tariff actions so far WATCH: How Trump’s sweeping new tariffs could shake up U.S. and global economies READ MORE: 5 places Trump has targeted for tariffs even though they have few or no exports READ MORE: How soon will prices rise? 4 questions about Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, answered We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Legislation pushed by Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley and Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell would require presidents to justify new tariffs and secure congressional approval within 60 days, otherwise they would expire. WATCH: Senate passes resolution to undo Trump’s Canada tariffs in rare Republican rebuke Grassley said he was working on this long before Trump introduced sweeping global tariffs. Whether it gains traction in the Republican-controlled Congress remains to be seen. Congress already technically has authority over tariffs, but over the last century it has given much of that power to the president. This has effectively removed most of its check on executive power. Lawmakers have some standing to counter tariffs, such as nullifying a presidential emergency declaration, but such resolutions need to pass both chambers and then either be signed by the president, or have the votes to override a veto. Find more of our coverage TIMELINE: Trump’s tariff actions so far WATCH: How Trump’s sweeping new tariffs could shake up U.S. and global economies READ MORE: 5 places Trump has targeted for tariffs even though they have few or no exports READ MORE: How soon will prices rise? 4 questions about Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, answered We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now