A long-time GOP senator and ally of President Donald Trump is under fire from conservative allies after co-sponsoring a bill that would rein in the president’s authority to impose tariffs, marking a clear departure from Trump’s hardline trade approach. The bill, introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and co-sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), is called the Trade Review Act of 2025.
The legislation would require any new tariffs imposed by the executive branch to automatically expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution approving them. It would also give Congress the power to overturn existing tariffs at any time through a resolution of disapproval. Grassley, a longtime advocate for congressional authority over trade, says the bill is about restoring the constitutional balance of power. “For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” he said.
“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public,” Cantwell said. “Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses. As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”
Several users online were upset with Grassley, however. “Sen. Grassley. As an Iowan who has voted for you in every election. I applaud these tariffs why America and it’s citizens have to take the unfair trade deficit is beyond me,” wrote one user. “SHAME ON YOU!!!! You ought to be, as an American citizen who wants the best for his country, HELPING President Trump, not yabbering about ways to HINDER him! What is wrong with you???? STOP hanging around with Democrats. They are EVIL! And dirty. How is it that you don’t get that?” another wrote.
“And all of a sudden it has to be done now? Sounds ridiculous. Please retire or hopefully get voted out soon,” said another. “Everything that is wrong in government, you were in government while it went wrong. Leadership matters. Where were you?” still another noted.
Trump has announced a significant set of new tariffs that are scheduled to take effect on April 5. The plan includes a general 10% tariff on all imports, along with specific rates for individual countries: 34% on goods from China, 20% on products from the European Union, and an impressive 46% on imports from Vietnam. Additionally, automobiles and car parts produced overseas will be subject to a 25% tariff.
Trump has branded the new tariffs as a cornerstone of his “Liberation Day” economic reset. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the move, arguing that foreign trade practices have exploited the United States for decades and that the tariffs are a necessary step to level the playing field.
The Trade Review Act aims to strengthen congressional oversight of the president’s power to impose or raise import tariffs. Under the bill, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking such action, including a detailed explanation and an analysis of the potential impact on U.S. businesses and consumers. Any new or increased tariff would automatically expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution to approve it. Conversely, Congress would also have the authority to end a tariff earlier by passing a resolution of disapproval. The Constitution grants Congress authority to regulate “foreign commerce.”