WASHINGTON — The repercussions of President Donald Trump’s assertive new tariffs have prompted action from Congress, with an increasing number of Republicans collaborating with Democrats to consider ways to limit his authority.
Following a rare disapproval from the GOP-led Senate on Wednesday, which voted to reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, legislators in both chambers are deliberating further measures to curtail his power. Senators are exploring different methods to annul Trump’s existing tariffs while restricting his capacity to introduce new ones. Meanwhile, House Democrats are looking into tactics to push for a vote on revoking the Canadian tariffs, seeking GOP support to strengthen their stance.
However, achieving success in these initiatives poses significant challenges, as any resolution to overturn Trump’s tariffs or any new legislation regarding his powers would require overcoming a presidential veto. Nevertheless, the growing support in Congress could influence the president’s decision-making regarding the use of import taxes as a central element of his agenda.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a Trump supporter who is third in line for the presidency, proposed a bill alongside Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., on Thursday aimed at reclaiming congressional authority and imposing restrictions on the president’s tariff powers.
The proposed legislation, known as the Trade Review Act of 2025, would mandate that the president inform Congress of any new tariffs within 48 hours of their implementation, providing explanations and an analysis of the impacts on American consumers and businesses. Subsequently, Congress would have 60 days to approve the tariffs, or they would automatically expire after that period.
“For far too long, Congress has ceded its explicit authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” Grassley stated. “I’m joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reestablish Congress’ constitutional role and ensure its voice in trade policy.”
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., lauded Grassley for the initiative, emphasizing “the importance of recognizing our co-equal status as branches of government.” He expressed his intent to support the bill, though it remains uncertain whether it will make it to the Senate floor.
“I favor congressional review… It’s a pertinent example in trade,” Tillis noted. “I’ll back Grassley if it receives a vote.”
The introduction of the Cantwell-Grassley bill occurred just a day after the Senate voted 51-48 to cancel Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products. All 47 Democrats were joined by GOP Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky in the vote.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who spearheaded the resolution, indicated his intention to build on this momentum with additional resolutions aimed at blocking Trump’s tariffs, while also evaluating the quickest routes forward.
He suggested that “significantly more” than four Republicans expressed interest in supporting his resolution, anticipating additional backing “as the economic implications become clearer.”
“We risk severe economic repercussions if Congress does not act to reverse these tariffs,” Kaine cautioned. “Donald Trump began his presidency overseeing a robust economy. In just two months, he has turned that into a situation filled with urgent concerns. We must utilize the resources available to compel him to change course.”
Currently, partisan divisions are causing some Republicans to hesitate about aligning with Democrats on a strategy that their base might view as opposition to Trump.
“Any actions must occur in a neutral climate, where neither side feels compelled to stand against their party’s current president regarding tariffs,” remarked Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who voted against Kaine’s measure and expressed doubt about the appropriateness of the environment for Grassley’s bill.
In the House, senior Democrats are looking to advance a resolution aimed at halting Canadian tariffs, similar to the Senate’s recent vote. Given Speaker Mike Johnson’s, R-La., reluctance to diverge from Trump’s stance, Democrats are investigating alternative approaches to bypass House GOP leadership.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., is considering launching a discharge petition, a legislative tool that would allow advocates to circumvent GOP leadership and force a vote on legislation if they can gather 218 signatures.
“Greg Meeks from New York, as the head of our Foreign Affairs Committee, is evaluating a resolution or discharge petition, and I’m one of those considering the discharge option,” Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, shared in an interview. “I would support his resolution to replicate what the Senate accomplished.”
Since a discharge petition cannot be invoked for the Senate’s measure, the House would need to create its own version, which may be identical.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., a former co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus running for governor, confirmed collaboration with Meeks on the discharge initiative.
“Many are facing high costs presently, and we must strive to alleviate their financial burden,” Gottheimer stated in a phone interview on Thursday. “Imposing tariffs on essential items like cheese and milk, or for home repairs, only exacerbates their struggles — especially with one of our closest trading partners.”
In addition, some Republicans unhappy with the Trump tariffs are indicating a willingness to cast their lot with Democrats on the discharge petition. Considering the GOP’s narrow 220-213 majority, at least five Republicans would need to break ranks with Trump to support the petition.
“I would likely endorse it,” expressed moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., noting that Democrats have “reached out” to discuss the issue. “Discharge petitions are an option of last resort. I prefer addressing this within our conference and chamber initially.”
“Ultimately,” Bacon affirmed, “I believe Congress should reclaim its authority over tariffs, and I see the tariffs on Canada as unjustified. They are adhering to the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement established under Trump.”
