More US Senate Republicans voice support for congressional oversight on tariffs

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Reuters

April 4, 2025 9:44 PM EDT Updated 10 hours ago


WASHINGTON, April 4 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate bill that would require congressional approval for new tariffs gained more Republican support on Friday, on the second day of a stock market rout sparked by President Donald Trump's move to impose sweeping new taxes on imports.

Republican U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina joined on as co-sponsors of a bill introduced on Thursday by Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Democrat Maria Cantwell of Washington. The bill would terminate new tariffs within 60 days unless the U.S. Congress explicitly approves them. However, it is unclear if it has any chance of being taken up in, let alone passing, the Senate, where Trump's party holds a 53-47 majority.

Many Republicans are voicing support for the president's move on tariffs, which economists say will push prices higher and risks triggering a recession but the White House contends will spur new investment in U.S. manufacturing. "Every state has unique industries that are impacted differently by changes in global markets and trade policies, such as agriculture, car manufacturing and aircraft production," Moran said in a statement to Reuters on Friday.

"The Constitution gives Congress the authority to make decisions regarding foreign commerce, including tariffs." It was the latest sign of unease among some Senate Republicans over Trump's sweeping new tariffs. On Tuesday, a separate bill was passed - backed by four Republicans and all the chamber's Democrats - which would have the effect of terminating new tariffs on Canada.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/more-us-senate-republicans-voice-support-congressional-oversight-tariffs-2025-04-04/

[johnnyfins]

1. This is all horseshit

Wake me up when they actually DO something. Until then, they are firmly in TSF's ass.

[Bluetus]

11. Exactly, this is some serious Jiu Jitsu from the Republicans.

There is no legislation needed, The Constitution clearly gives tariffs entirely to Congress. Congress has delegated some of this authority to the President in specific cases, such as a declared war or national emergency.

Please recall that Trump had to claim that 40 pounds of fentanyl crossing the Canadian border in an entire year is a "national emergency".

The Republicans aren't trying to stop Trump. Their intent with this legislation, which they know will never become law, is to reinforce the lie that Trump has some authority to levy these tariffs.

If McConnell et al were genuinely interested in this issue, then they would join with Democrats in a lawsuit to declare all these Trump tariffs illegal.

They are doing exactly the opposite, albeit cleverly.

[Lovie777]

2. That's because it's hurting their pockets................

GQP care nothing about their constituents. Destroying programs that help people and trying to erase others.

Fuck them.

[paleotn]

3. Short of impeachment, conviction and imprisonment, this is all meaningless.

The regime will simply ignore their little bill.

[Hornedfrog2000]

4. In other words

Let us LOOK like we are having oversight so we can tell our stupid ass voters we are keeping an eye on trump.... mmmk

[republianmushroom]

5. They lie, they are trying to cover their asses.

[Martin68]

6. C'mon assholes, act before it is too late.

[Martin68]

7. Blah, blah, blah. All talk and no action. They have the majority, and they have 100% of the responsibility.

They are just as much to blame as Trump.

[NH Ethylene]

8. This is the Senate. What about the House?

As always, I am an insufferable optimist. As the economy worsens day by day, I am hoping the House can also shift a little bit so bills like this can get through. And later, as the economy deteriorates further, so we have even a glimmer of a chance for impeachment or Article 25.

[BumRushDaShow]

10. From later in OP article -

Republican U.S. Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska said he plans to introduce a companion bill to Grassley's in the House.

There are also some starting to "cry uncle" -

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143431227

Whether that translates into something that actually gets passed, is another thing altogether, and we'll have to wait to find out. If something like that is forced to the House floor somehow, we would only need 4 GOPers to cross over to vote for it (assuming all Democrats vote for it).

[GoreWon2000]

9. Smoot-Hawley tariffs prove tRump wrong

One needs only to review the history of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariffs which turned a then economic recession into the great depression of the 1930s to see what these disastrous tRump tariffs will . do to our country and the world. tRump and his Congressional magas will own this disaster.