Maine Senator Susan Collins is one of seven Republicans to sign onto a bipartisan bill that would require Congressional approval of tariffs brought by President Trump.
Under the proposal, any tariff imposed by a President would sunset within 60 days without the approval of Congress.
Congress would also have the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a joint resolution of disapproval.
President Trump has already threatened to veto the bill, which was announced Monday.
The measure, known as the Trade Review Act of 2025, has the support of six other Republican Senators in addition to Collins: Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
The Democratic cosponsors of the bill are Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
The bill includes two other key provisions:
- 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
Trump last week announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories by invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“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 is modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which gave Congress the power to restrict a President over foreign military actions.
