Last week United States Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation to restore Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. The Trade Review Act of 2025 would require congressional approval of unilateral tariffs proposed by the executive branch.
On Tuesday April 8th, during his weekly conference call with farm broadcasters and reporters, Grassley explained the timing of his introduction of the legislation.
Grassley says that Congress has delegated too much authority and responsibility for regulating trade to the executive branch. He says his bill would reassert Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy.
Grassley says that President Trump is following through on his campaign promise of using tariffs as a negotiating tool.
Under Senator Grassley’s proposed legislation, according to www.grassley.senate.gov, “the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours. Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.”
The full bill text is available HERE
