Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Introducing Bill to Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tariffs

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a bipartisan group of 12 of her Senate colleagues in cosponsoring the Trade Review Act of 2025, a bill to reaffirm Congress’ constitutional role in setting and approving 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 tariffs without the approval of Congress.

“The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the President without congressional oversight undermines Congress’ constitutional role and can have serious consequences for American workers and businesses,” said Senator Collins. “This bill ensures that Congress retains its responsibility in major tariff decisions that affect our economy, our trading relationships, and the prices families pay for everyday goods.”

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; and
• Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

In addition to Senator Collins, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have also co-sponsored the bill.

The full text of the bill can be read here.

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