Rep. Don Bacon Leads Bipartisan Push to Restore Congressional Authority Over Tariffs Amid Executive Overreach Concerns

Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, is garnering initial support for a legislative proposal aimed at restoring congressional authority over tariffs. This move comes in response to recent economic and political disruptions following the implementation of new tariffs by President Trump. Bacon’s initiative is a counterpart to a similar measure introduced in the Senate, reflecting a growing bipartisan interest in re-evaluating the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch concerning trade policy.

The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns that the executive branch has overstepped its bounds by imposing tariffs without sufficient congressional oversight. Bacon emphasized that the U.S. Constitution explicitly grants Congress the power to regulate tariffs and taxes. He described the delegation of some of this authority to the executive branch as a “mistake” that needs rectification to ensure proper checks and balances.

Despite the momentum building around this issue, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has expressed opposition to considering a Senate bill that would similarly limit the President’s unilateral tariff powers. The Senate bill, introduced by Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, has already garnered support from seven Republican senators, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the effort.

The debate over tariff authority underscores a broader discussion about the separation of powers and the role of Congress in shaping U.S. trade policy. As Bacon and his colleagues push for legislative change, the conversation continues about how best to balance the need for decisive executive action with the constitutional mandate for congressional oversight.