Congress Fights Back on Unchecked Tariffs
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) isn’t holding back. He’s set on putting a stop to the president’s power to slap on tariffs without a second thought. Bacon is fed up with policies that stray from what voters expected.
He’s gearing up to introduce a bill that limits presidential tariff moves. “It’s time that Congress restores its authorities here,” he said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” His words hit hard, matching his determination.
Bacon points to the Constitution as the guide. He argues it’s “clear” that Congress holds the power over tariffs and taxes. Giving too much control to the executive branch, he believes, was a real “mistake.”
This new legislation will travel alongside a similar Senate proposal. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have jointly pushed the Trade Review Act of 2025. Their measure would force the president to give Congress 48 hours’ notice before imposing or raising tariffs. The bill demands not just a heads-up but also an analysis of the potential impact, with lawmakers ready to step in with a resolution. “I enjoyed listening to Senator Cantwell. I support the legislation that Senator Grassley, Senator Cantwell, we have a total of seven Republicans in the Senate, and I have some beginning support on the House side, which we’ll unveil tomorrow,” Bacon told CBS News.
Bacon doesn’t sugarcoat the challenge ahead. “It will be harder to pass this in the House. No doubt. I think if we get 60 votes in the Senate, they’ll put pressure on the House to look at this. And if we continue to see the stock market go a certain direction, or if we see inflation or unemployment shift in a bad way, I think then this bill becomes a very viable bill,” he said. The lawmaker warns it might not pass tomorrow, but it’s coming, ready to shake things up.
Senator Cantwell is equally fired up. Appearing on “Face The Nation” Sunday, she celebrated gathering support from seven Republican senators. “So usually you don’t get first introduction and get so many people on board, but I think it shows the anxiety that people have,” Cantwell said. Her remarks underscore the growing concern on Wall Street and among everyday voters.
This showdown is a clear signal: Congress is ready to reclaim its authority over trade policy. Bacon and his allies are calling for a return to the constitutional balance, and they won’t back down until the president’s overreach is checked.
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