U.S. Rep. Don Bacon proposes taking back Congress's tariff power from Trump

Source: Nebraska Examiner

The proposal continues Bacon’s recent trend of being rare House Republican to criticize president

By: Juan Salinas II - April 9, 2025 7:00 pm

LINCOLN — Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon unveiled legislation this week to claw back Congress’ authority on tariffs from the White House.

His bill would require the president — any president — to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing tariffs on imported goods, limit the duration of any tariffs to 60 days unless Congress approves extending them, and clarify that Congress can end any tariffs.

“The Constitution clearly gives the authority for taxes and tariffs to Congress,” Bacon said. “But for too long we have handed that authority to the executive branch.”

Bacon said in a statement that his proposed federal legislation is “less about the actual tariffs laid by the Trump administration, some of which I support because they are reciprocal, but more a commitment to uphold the Constitution.” Still, the timing of the bill is undeniable, with financial markets roiled and consumers still facing the prospect of higher prices.


U.S. Rep Don Bacon, R-Neb. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)


Read more: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/09/u-s-rep-don-bacon-proposes-taking-back-congresss-tariff-power-from-trump/