At the beginning of April, Senator Chuck Grassley introduced a new bill that would limit the powers of the Executive Branch to impose tariffs. The Trade Review Act of 2025 would require a President to justify any new tariffs and provide an analysis of the tariff’s impact. It would also automatically sunset a tariff within 60 days if it was not approved by Congress.
To give a quick reminder, international trade authority is a power constitutionally provided to Congress (Article I, Section 8). It is only after numerous acts have been signed, that Congress has effectively delegated this power to the President in certain, ill-defined circumstances.
Senator Grassley made two statements upon the introduction of this bill:
First Statement:
“While the President takes this approach, you can count on Chuck Grassley to keep an eye on how these tariffs impact our state and, in particular, how they impact the family farmer,” Grassley said in the April 2 statement. “As you’d expect, I’m going to continue to be a voice — a loud voice — for Iowans.”
Second Statement:
“For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch. Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee Chairman, I’m joining Senator Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress’ constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy,”
The way tariffs laws currently work, the President has the ability to impose tariffs, but only in case of national emergency, which means the President is required to declare an emergency when tariffs are implemented.
Yesterday, a resolution was introduced to the Senate which would formally end the emergency declaration by President Trump, ending the existing tariff fight. Given the strong statement by Senator Grassley that he would be a “loud voice” for Iowans, and that he would “ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy” I think it would make sense to expect Senator Grassley to vote to end this emergency declaration and stop Donald Trump’s tariffs.
This vote failed on a vote of 49-49 with J.D. Vance serving as the tiebreaking vote. Senator Grassley, along with Senator Ernst, voted against the resolution. They voted against ending Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Senator Grassley, if you are going to be “a loud voice” for Iowans regarding tariffs, why didn’t you use it when your vote would have passed this resolution?
Sources:
Who Controls U.S. Tariffs? The Constitution vs. Presidential Power – U.S. Constitution.net
Senate votes down resolution that would block Trump’s global tariffs | AP News
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley wants congressional check on Trump’s tariffs
Grassley, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Restore Congress’ Constitutional Role in Trade
Senate rebuke on President Donald Trump’s tariffs narrowly fails
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