US senators seek to curb Trump’s tariff powers

WASHINGTON: Two senior US senators from rival parties unveiled a bill Thursday that would limit President Donald Trump´s authority to set tariffs, requiring a rubber-stamp from Congress for any new levies.

The action -- which has little chance of becoming law -- came a day after the Republican leader rolled out fresh tariffs on products from countries around the globe, sending stock markets tumbling. The Trade Review Act of 2025 would require Trump to notify lawmakers of new tariffs within 48 hours of their launch, with an explanation of the rationale and an analysis of the potential impacts.

Introduced by Republican Chuck Grassley and Democrat Maria Cantwell, the legislation would also require congressional approval of new levies within 60 days to avoid them expiring. Grassley´s involvement marks a second rebuke in as many days for Trump from his own party, which controls both chambers of Congress and has offered little pushback to his rampaging first months in office.

“For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” said Grassley, who chairs the powerful Judiciary Committee.

Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee, said the latest bill would ensure rules-based trade policies are “transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public.” “Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage US export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,” Cantwell said.

The announcement comes after four Senate Republicans broke ranks with Trump on Wednesday, joining Democrats to pass a measure that would block his tariffs on Canadian imports.

Both bills would need two-thirds support in both chambers of Congress to circumvent Trump´s veto powers and Speaker Mike Johnson has in any case ruled out putting the Canada legislation on the House floor.