A faction of Republican senators has decided to break ranks with the White House, throwing their support behind a bill that would restrict President Donald Trump's power to impose tariffs without Congressional approval, according to reports from EFE. The proposal, dubbed the "Trade Review Act," aims to curtail presidential authority over trade policy by requiring legislative approval for any new tariffs.
If enacted, the legislation would allow a tariff to remain in effect for only an initial 60-day period unless Congress ratifies it for an extension. Among the backers of this initiative is seasoned Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader in the Senate, which signals growing internal tensions within the Republican Party over Trump's aggressive international trade stance.
The bill also gives both houses the authority to revoke tariffs imposed before the 60-day threshold, provided there is bipartisan consensus. The White House has expressed staunch opposition: an official statement warned of a veto should the bill reach the president's desk, arguing that the law "harshly limits" the president’s ability to "protect national security and shape foreign policy" for the United States.
Simultaneously, another legislative effort is brewing in the Republican-majority House of Representatives, where Congressman Don Bacon is expected to introduce a second proposal that would enable Congress to block tariffs set by the president. Both measures would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override a potential presidential veto, implying that more Republican lawmakers would need to distance themselves from Trump, a rare occurrence since his return to the presidency.
This legislative movement comes at a particularly sensitive time: on April 2, Trump announced the implementation of global tariffs of 10%, with even higher rates targeting countries like China and the European Union, set to take effect on April 9. Despite internal and external criticism, the president reiterated on Monday his commitment to his strategy: "There will be fair deals with the countries negotiating, but we will not pause the tariffs during this process," Trump declared to the press.
The debate highlights a shift in tone within the Republican Party, where some members are beginning to question the near-absolute power Trump wields over trade matters and seek to restore Congressional control over decisions impacting not only the U.S. economy but also international relations. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned last Friday that the tariffs imposed by President Trump's administration could lead to slower economic growth and a sustained rise in inflation in the United States.
During a conference in Arlington, Virginia, Powell stated that the effect of the new tariffs, set to take effect Saturday, might be more enduring than anticipated. "It is very likely that the tariffs will cause, at least temporarily, an increase in inflation, but it is also possible that their effects will be more persistent," the central bank head cautioned, as reported by EFE.
Key Questions About U.S. Tariff Policy
What is the "Trade Review Act"?
The "Trade Review Act" is a legislative proposal aimed at limiting the president's authority to impose tariffs without Congressional approval, requiring legislative consent for any new tariffs.
Who is leading the initiative to limit Trump's tariff power?
Senator Mitch McConnell, a veteran Republican leader, is one of the main supporters of the initiative to restrict President Trump's tariff authority.
What is the White House's stance on the proposed legislation?
The White House has strongly opposed the legislation, stating that it severely limits the president's ability to protect national security and shape U.S. foreign policy, and has threatened to veto the bill.
How might the tariffs impact the U.S. economy, according to Jerome Powell?
Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, warned that the tariffs could lead to slower economic growth and a persistent rise in inflation in the United States.