Momentum Builds for Bipartisan Cantwell Bill to Reassert Congressional Trade Role

Legislation requires president to explain reasoning & impacts of new tariffs to Congress within 48 hours

WASHINGTON, D.C. - ICYMI, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress' key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. In addition to Sen. Cantwell, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) have co-sponsored the bill. The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president's ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.

"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. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses," Sen. Cantwell said. "As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm."

The bill restores Congress' authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president's power to impose tariffs:

• To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
• • The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president's reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
  • Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
• 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.
• Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

The full bill text is available HERE.

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