Congress Steps Up to Challenge Trump's Tariffs

The political scene in Washington is heating up as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are considering ways to curb President Trump's tariff policies. The recent tariffs on Canada have sparked a wave of action, with Republicans and Democrats alike exploring legislative moves to limit the president's power. The Senate has already made a bold move by voting to reverse Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods. This vote, which saw a mix of Democrats and Republicans coming together, is just the beginning. Lawmakers are now looking into other ways to roll back existing tariffs and prevent new ones from being imposed. One notable effort comes from Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington. They have introduced a bill called the Trade Review Act of 2025. This bill aims to give Congress more control over tariffs by requiring the president to notify them within 48 hours of imposing new tariffs. Congress would then have 60 days to approve or reject these tariffs. If Congress does not approve, the tariffs would expire. Grassley and Cantwell's bill is a response to what they see as an overreach by the executive branch. They argue that Congress should have a bigger say in trade policy, as it is a co-equal branch of government. The bill has garnered support from some Republicans, like Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who believes in the importance of congressional review in trade matters. The political landscape is complex, though. Some Republicans are hesitant to join Democrats in challenging Trump's tariffs, fearing backlash from their base. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, for instance, questions whether the current environment is right for such a move. He suggests that any action should be taken in a neutral setting, where partisanship does not force lawmakers to choose between their party and the president. Meanwhile, House Democrats are also exploring their options. They are considering a resolution similar to the one passed in the Senate, which would halt the Canadian tariffs. However, they face a challenge in the form of Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who is reluctant to go against Trump. To bypass GOP leaders, Democrats are looking into a discharge petition, which would allow them to force a vote if they can secure enough signatures. The economic impact of these tariffs is a significant concern. Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey points out that the tariffs are adding to the struggles of Americans already dealing with high costs. He argues that imposing tariffs on goods from one of the country's largest trading partners is counterproductive. Some Republicans, like Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, also express concerns about the tariffs on Canada, noting that Canada is abiding by the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. The situation is fluid, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle weighing their options. The outcome will depend on various factors, including political calculations and the evolving economic landscape. One thing is clear, though: the debate over Trump's tariffs is far from over.