Two influential senators from opposing parties join forces to challenge President Trump's tariff authority.

According to Fox News, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced legislation requiring congressional approval for new tariffs, following Trump's sweeping "Liberation Day" tariff announcement.

The Trade Review Act of 2025 represents a significant shift in trade policy authority from the executive branch to Congress.

Under the proposed legislation, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of implementing new tariffs and provide a detailed economic impact analysis. These tariffs would expire after 60 days unless Congress explicitly approves them.

Congressional Authority Over Trade Policy

The bipartisan effort emerges as a direct response to mounting concerns over executive power in trade decisions. Despite being a Trump ally, Grassley has consistently expressed skepticism about broad tariff implementations. His state's heavy reliance on agricultural exports makes Iowa particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions and potential retaliatory measures from trading partners.

Senator Cantwell's involvement brings perspective from Washington state, where major exporters like Boeing maintain significant operations. Her support underscores the growing concern among lawmakers about the economic implications of unilateral tariff decisions. The partnership between these senators demonstrates rare bipartisan unity in challenging presidential trade authority.

The timing of this legislative push coincides with broader congressional efforts to reassert legislative power in trade policy. Earlier attempts to limit executive trade authority have faced challenges, but the current political climate may provide new opportunities for reform.

Trump Administration Response to Trade Review Act

President Trump defended his tariff strategy through social media, comparing it to a medical procedure. His analogy suggested short-term discomfort would lead to long-term benefits for the American economy.

Trump stated on Truth Social:

The patient lived, and is healing. The prognosis is that the patient will be stronger, bigger, better, and more resilient than ever before.

State Economic Interests Drive Legislative Action

The proposed legislation reflects deep-rooted economic concerns in both senators' home states. Iowa's agricultural sector faces potential disruption from retaliatory tariffs, while Washington's manufacturing and technology industries depend heavily on international trade. These regional economic interests have pushed both lawmakers to seek greater congressional oversight of trade policy.

Corporate stakeholders across various sectors have expressed support for the initiative. Manufacturing companies, agricultural organizations, and technology firms view the legislation as a potential safeguard against sudden trade policy changes that could disrupt their operations and international partnerships.

Trade experts suggest the bill could provide more predictability in international commerce. The proposed 60-day congressional review period would allow businesses to better prepare for potential trade policy changes and give trading partners time to engage in diplomatic discussions.

Future Prospects for Trade Policy Reform

The bill's introduction occurs amid broader congressional movements on trade policy. A separate resolution targeting Trump's emergency declaration on Canadian imports recently gained support from four Republican senators, though Grassley was not among them. However, this resolution faces significant obstacles in the House.

International reaction to the proposed legislation remains measured. Trading partners watch closely as Congress attempts to establish more predictable trade policy mechanisms. The outcome could influence future trade negotiations and international economic relationships.

Congressional Oversight Implementation Strategy

The proposed bill outlines specific requirements for presidential trade actions. Beyond the 48-hour notification requirement, the administration must provide comprehensive economic analysis and justification for new tariffs. This structure aims to create transparency and accountability in trade policy decisions.

Local and state governments would gain better visibility into potential trade policy changes affecting their economies. The legislation could help state officials and business leaders prepare for and respond to trade policy shifts more effectively.

Trade Policy Reform Progress Report

Senators Grassley and Cantwell's Trade Review Act of 2025 represents a significant attempt to rebalance trade policy authority between Congress and the executive branch. The legislation requires presidential notification within 48 hours of new tariff implementation and congressional approval within 60 days.

The bill emerges as a response to President Trump's recent "Liberation Day" tariff strategy, reflecting growing concerns about executive authority in trade decisions. With support from both agricultural states like Iowa and manufacturing hubs like Washington, the legislation demonstrates a bipartisan effort to establish greater oversight in U.S. trade policy.