Politics

NEW: Chuck Grassley Under Fire For Breaking With Trump On Key Issue

Published

5 days ago

April 3, 2025

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is facing fierce backlash from conservative allies after co-sponsoring a bill that would require Congress to approve new tariffs—an apparent break from President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade strategy. The legislation, introduced alongside Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), is titled the Trade Review Act of 2025.

It would force any new tariffs imposed by the executive branch to expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval. It also grants Congress the ability to nullify existing tariffs at any time through a resolution of disapproval.

Grassley, a longtime advocate for congressional authority over trade, says the bill is about restoring the constitutional balance of power. “For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” he said.

But not everyone is convinced—especially within the GOP base. Trump announced sweeping new tariffs set to take effect April 5.

The plan includes a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, plus country-specific rates: 34% on Chinese goods, 20% on products from the EU, and a stunning 46% on Vietnamese imports. Automobiles and car parts made overseas would also be hit with a 25% tariff.

Former U.S. Senator and actor of Law & Order, Fred Thompson meeting U.S. Senator from Iowa, Chuck Grassley, at Iowa State Fair to campaign for U.S. President, August 17, 2007, Des Moines, Iowa

The Trump campaign has framed the new tariffs as part of a “Liberation Day” economic reset. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the policy, claiming the U.S. has been taken advantage of for decades and that tariffs will level the playing field.

Grassley’s move, however, is being seen by some as a direct challenge to the president.

“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,” Cantwell said.

“Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,” she finished. “As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”

The Trade Review Act is designed to give Congress greater oversight over the President’s authority to impose or increase import duties. Under the bill, the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking such action, providing both a rationale and an assessment of how the tariff could affect U.S. businesses and consumers.

Any new or increased duty would automatically expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution approving it. Conversely, Congress may also pass a joint resolution of disapproval to terminate the tariff sooner.

The legislation does not apply to duties related to antidumping or countervailing measures already governed by the Tariff Act of 1930. To streamline the process, the bill incorporates expedited procedures for handling approval or disapproval resolutions in both chambers of Congress.

The aim is to ensure that significant trade policy decisions receive proper legislative scrutiny and are not made unilaterally by the executive branch.