Amid growing concerns over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff policy, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at restoring Congress’s constitutional authority over trade policy. The legislation seeks to limit the executive branch’s unilateral power to impose tariffs and ensure greater transparency and accountability in trade decisions.

Key Provisions of the Trade Review Act

The proposed legislation would amend the Trade Act of 1974 by imposing several checks on presidential tariff powers:

• Notification Requirement: The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing tariffs. This notification must include an explanation of the rationale behind the tariffs and an assessment of their potential impact on U.S. businesses and consumers.
• Time Limit on Tariffs: Any new tariffs would expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval. Conversely, Congress could terminate tariffs at any time through a resolution of disapproval.
• Exclusions: The bill explicitly excludes antidumping and countervailing duties, which are governed under separate provisions of trade law.

Motivation Behind the Legislation

The bill comes in response to President Trump’s recent announcement of a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, alongside higher levies targeting dozens of countries deemed “worst offenders” in trade practices. These tariffs, set to take effect in the coming days, have sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers, business groups, and economists who warn of inflationary pressures and disrupted supply chains.

Senator Cantwell emphasized that arbitrary tariffs harm U.S. export opportunities and raise costs for American consumers. 

“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,” Cantwell said. “As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”

Grassley echoed these sentiments, stating that Congress has “delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch for too long” and arguing for a balanced approach that preserves national security while preventing economic harm.

Economic Impact and Political Context

Trump’s tariff strategy has already rattled global markets, with critics warning that increased import duties could exacerbate inflation, slow economic growth, and burden American businesses reliant on international supply chains. 

For example, Cantwell noted that tariffs on foreign-made vehicles could increase car prices by as much as $15,000—a significant blow to her state’s economy, which heavily depends on imports through its ports.

Grassley’s home state of Iowa also faces potential repercussions, as agriculture exports are central to its economy. 

Historical Context

Congress technically retains authority over tariffs under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution but has delegated much of this power to the executive branch over the past century. The Trade Review Act draws inspiration from the War Powers Resolution of 1973 in its effort to reassert Congressional oversight. Grassley highlighted that this bill builds on reforms he proposed in 2019 to enhance consultation and reporting obligations for presidential trade actions.