Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Reassert Congressional Trade Role

Legislation requires the President to explain reasoning and impacts of new tariffs to Congress within 48 hours

All new tariffs would expire after 60 days unless Congress explicitly approves them

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in introducing the Trade Review Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. The Senators’ legislation, 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.    

“As U.S. Senators, we have a moral and constitutional responsibility to stand up to any

attempt by the Executive to undermine our system of checks and balances. We can’t let Trump’s lawlessness and reckless trade policies slide. The President’s trade war is hurting working Americans, small businesses, and farmers—not to mention relationships with our trusted allies. This bipartisan legislation will make it clear that Congress won’t cede its authority to the White House,” said Senator Welch.  

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

“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,” said Senator Grassley. 

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. 

In addition to Senators Welch, Cantwell, and Grassley, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).  

Read and download the full text of the bill.