Young Joins Effort To Reassert Congressional Trade Role

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key 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 unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.

“The Trump Administration rightly takes the view that the U.S. been on the receiving end of a lot of provocative trade activity over the years and that it’s time for America to push back. While tariffs can be a useful tool, they also carry downside risk if applied without a clear strategy—especially for Hoosier farmers and manufacturers who need certainty. I’ve consistently emphasized the need for greater clarity in our trade approach so that those directly affected aren’t left in the dark,” said Senator Young. “At the same time, I’m pushing for my Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act, which offers a targeted and enforceable approach to addressing unfair trade with greater predictability. My hope is that these efforts—both the strategic pressure of tariffs and the enforcement tools in my legislation—can lead to negotiated outcomes that strengthen America’s position on trade and the economic prosperity of our country.”

The Trade Review Act would restore 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
4. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.

Full legislative text can be found here.