U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran has finally shown some backbone by co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill that pushes back against the President’s recent trade war activities.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA, introduced the bill “to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy,” she stated in a news release. Along with Kansas Republican Moran, co-sponsors are Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), 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), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The Trade Review Act of 2025, 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.
Cantwell issued a news release that explains:
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.
“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade,” Cantwell said. “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. As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”
Moran commented, “The Constitution gives Congress the authority to make decisions regarding foreign commerce, including tariffs. This legislation allows the president to use tariffs to respond to emergencies while permitting Congress to weigh the appropriateness of any tariffs that are imposed.”
He told The Hill, “The idea of a tariff to equal the stage has some merit and some support. But I think most Kansans would say, ‘Let’s do this in a more gradual way.’ Most Kansans, including agriculture, which is so affected, I think they were expecting something less dramatic.”
This may be the equivalent of a Canadian letting her inherent politeness slip with a frustrated response to tariffs: “Just cut it out!” But again, at least it’s something.
A similar bill is being introduced by Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, in the House of Representatives. Bacon said on CBS News, “It’s time that Congress restores its authorities here. We gave some of that power to the executive branch, and I think in hindsight, that was a mistake.”
Moran isn’t in full rebellion mode. As a commentator wrote in the Kansas City Star, “Moran, in his usual fashion, is trying to do something without getting on the wrong side of MAGA. But at least he’s doing something.”
The bill isn’t likely to become law. It may pass but there aren’t enough votes (yet) to override the inevitable veto. Still, seven Republican senators – including one of our own – signed onto this bipartisan bill. Maybe this can show other Republicans that they have a responsibility to the American people. Even if they support most of the President’s actions, they don’t need to support everything.
— Susan Thacker
