Rep. Don Bacon pushes for Congress to regain control over tariffs

In Washington, D.C., Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, has announced his plans to introduce legislation aimed at granting Congress greater control over tariffs and trade practices. This move comes as reactions to President Trump's recent imposition of extensive tariffs have raised concerns across Wall Street and Capitol Hill. Last week, Trump unveiled a series of new tariffs, including a 10% charge on imports from all countries, sparking anxiety regarding potential negative economic impacts. Bacon's bill, which he aims to introduce with some initial backing from fellow legislators, is intended to restore Congress's constitutional authority over trade policy which has been perceived as gradually eroded over the years by executive action. This proposed legislation, known as the Trade Review Act of 2025, parallels a similar measure recently put forth by Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley in the Senate. The bill mandates that the President must notify Congress at least 48 hours in advance of any new or increased tariffs, along with providing an analysis of the economic ramifications. This legislation is significant as it also allows Congress the power to reverse tariffs via a joint resolution, thereby increasing checks on the executive branch's unilateral power to impose tariffs. Despite Bacon's enthusiasm, he acknowledges the challenges in passing this legislation through the House of Representatives, where the Republicans hold only a slim majority. Bacon indicated that garnering bipartisan support in the Senate, which is purportedly easier given the number of Republicans who signed on to the Senate version of the bill, might sway the House to consider the measure more seriously. However, as of now, the passage of the legislation appears uncertain as Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed reluctance to bring a bill not in alignment with President Trump's agenda to the floor for a vote. The urgency surrounding Bacon's initiative is part of a larger political discourse aimed at countering an increase in presidential authority over economic regulations, especially those deeming Trump’s recent aggression towards trade measures as excessive. In an environment marked by economic instability due to tariffs and rising inflation rates, the legislation may evolve as a critical tool for lawmakers concerned about the economic implications of unilateral tariff decisions. The White House has signaled its opposition to the bill, threatening a veto should it pass both chambers, arguing that it undermines the President's long-established ability to respond to national emergencies and foreign threats through tariffs.