A new US Senate bill aims to restrict the President’s power over tariffs. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell sponsored the Trade Review Act of 2025, which would make Congress approve any new tariffs within 60 days. The action follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariff increases on a range of imported products, sparking concerns among lawmakers and economists.
Trump contends that the tariffs will bring in revenue and spur domestic production. Critics, however, worry that they will raise prices for American businesses and consumers. The most recent legislative effort indicates developing splits within the Republican Party along trade lines.
Increasing Republican Opposition to Tariffs
Grassley’s bill reflects growing concern among Republicans about Trump’s trade policy. Some Republican senators fear sweeping tariff policies may damage businesses, upend supply chains, and undermine relations with US allies. Senator Jerry Moran complained about the absence of a targeted strategy, while Senator James Lankford asked why Israel is subject to a 17% tariff, unlike other countries. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also opposed the action, deeming tariffs a “tax on everyday Americans.”
In spite of this resistance, most Republicans continue to back Trump’s hardline trade policies. The House has just approved a bill that bolsters presidential power over tariffs and makes it more difficult for Congress to oppose new trade barriers. Republican leaders contend that tariffs will help counterbalance unfair trade practices and restore manufacturing jobs.
But some Republican lawmakers think the administration’s strategy is too sweeping. Four Senate Republicans —Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell—joined Democrats in voting to reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products. This bipartisan pushback indicates increasing concern about the long-term economic cost of protectionist policies.
Economic and Political Implications
Economists are still doubtful about Trump’s tariff policy. They caution that increased trade barriers may drive up prices on common items and cause economic instability. According to a recent poll, almost half of Americans think tariffs will cause more harm than good. Even among Republicans, there is disagreement over whether protectionist policies will help the US economy in the long term.
Cantwell, the Democratic co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the dangers of a long trade war. She cautioned that unpredictable trade policies would increase costs, upset global supply chains, and hurt American exporters. “We can’t afford chaotic trade policies that leave US businesses at a disadvantage,” she said.
Though Grassley’s bill will have a rough time in a Republican Congress, it underscores ongoing disputes over where US trade policy is headed. As Trump persists in calling for hardline tariffs, the battle over whether and how they work—and at what cost—will only grow fiercer.