Holding the President Accountable: The Trade Review Act of 2025
Republicans of note express disapproval towards Trump's tariff proposals.
In an effort to curb the President's unilateral power over tariffs, a bipartisan group of senators has proposed the Trade Review Act of 2025. This legislation, championed by Senators Amy Klobuchar, Maria Cantwell, and Chuck Grassley, aims to restore congressional oversight over trade policy through numerous provisions[1][3][5].
Core Components and Objectives
- Immediate Notification: Within 48 hours, the president must give Congress notice of any imposed or increased tariffs, along with the rationale and economic impact assessment[1][3].
- Congressional Approval: New tariffs expire after two months unless both houses of Congress approve them through a joint resolution[1][3].
- Termination Authority: Congress can terminate existing tariffs at any time through a joint resolution, excluding anti-dumping and countervailing duties[3].
Current Standing
As of early April 2025, the bill encounters substantial roadblocks, particularly within the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson upholds President Trump's tariff-driven approach to trade[3]. Despite these hurdles, the legislation signals a strong bipartisan discontent with the broad, unilateral nature of tariff actions[3].
Resistance within the White House
The Trump administration stands firmly behind its tariff-focused trade policy, reflected in recent measures such as increasing tariffs on China to 125% and instating a 90-day halt on reciprocal tariffs with over 60 nations[3][4]. This commitment to an "America First" trade policy places heavy emphasis on addressing trade imbalances and prioritizing domestic interests[2][4]. The administration's backing of tariffs, coupled with Congressional politics, indicates strong opposition to the bill's goal of limiting the President's tariff autonomy[3][4].
Potential Future Advancements
Even if the bill fails in its current shape, it could provide a foundation for future changes, particularly if trade policy emerges as a significant election issue[3]. The ongoing power struggle between Congress and the executive over trade authority will continue to shape U.S. trade policy and global trade dynamics[3].
- The European Parliament, expressing concern over the Middle East situation, has also voiced its opposition to the unilateral imposition of tariffs by the President, as the Trade Review Act of 2025 intends to limit such powers.
- If enacted, the Trade Review Act of 2025 would set a limit on tariffs, requiring the President to seek approval from Congress before imposing or increasing them, and potentially jeopardizing the initiators' trade policy objectives.
- The Trade Review Act of 2025, aimed at restoring congressional oversight over trade policy, could face opposition from future administrations in 2026, as the administration's commitment to its tariff-focused trade policy has been a significant obstacle to the bill's progression.
