Murkowski Joins Bipartisan Push to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation to reassert Congress’ Constitutional power to set and approve U.S. trade policy. The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.
“The uncertainties caused by tariffs have already impacted markets and capital investment, and soon they’ll hit families, grocery stores, and local businesses,” said Senator Murkowski. “This legislation reaffirms Congress’s role in levying tariffs, and I’m intent on making sure the voices of Alaskans are heard in these critical discussions - because we’ll certainly have to live with the consequences.”
The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:
- To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.
- The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and
- Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.
- Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.
- Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
- Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.
The full bill text is available HERE.
