Trump tariffs face bipartisan challenge, Sen. Maria Cantwell says : NPR

Not only has escalating tariffs on President Trump’s trading partners rattled the US and international markets, but it has also caused alarm bells in Congress.

In response, a group of senators introduced bipartisan laws to govern the presidential forces on tariffs. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. R-Iowa’s Chuck Grassley has introduced a bill that requires the president to notify Congress of impending tariffs within 48 hours. Congress must approve the case within 60 days of notification.

President Trump He threatened to reject the bill It was already a small prospect, as it is unclear whether it would already win a vote in the House.

In an interview with Morning edition, “We are the conduits to these members. The sector of the economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or the damage-small business.”

NPR’s Leila Fardel spoke to Cantwell about the future of the bipartisan bill and what she is hearing from members affected by tariffs.

This interview has been compiled for length and clarity.

Interview highlights

Leila Fardel: If it becomes law, what will the bill you drafted achieve?

Senator Maria Cantwell: Congress has the rights to interstate commerce and foreign commerce, constitutionally, about trade, if you think about it. But I think this president is misunderstood and actually misused this authority. So we say we want Congress to reassert itself in this debate, sacrificing a lot of money on consumers and getting approval for these incredible tariffs that are ruining people’s 401(k) savings.

Fader: This is now described as a bipartisan bill. Co-authored with Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. But how much Republican support does this bill have? In other words, can you pass?

Cantwell: So far, the bill has seven Republicans, but it was only introduced last week. House representatives introduced bills with two Democrats and two Republicans. So it remains bipartisan. And it’s like, “Wait, why are you paying this extra tax on these consumer goods?

Fader: Now the president threatens to reject your bill if he comes to his desk. If you pass this bill and Trump refuses it, what would you do in that case?

Cantwell: I don’t think the economy will cut its investment of $11 trillion. This is causing confusion for consumers. Basically, GDP is around 70% of consumer spending. So the council has the right to say, “What is the plan here? Why don’t we talk to our constituents?”

And what people don’t want is to continue uncertainty. Many people who are looking at the 401(k) and may retire this year have great concerns about what it personally means.

Fader: But what I’m asking is whether there is a true path in both chambers to make this a law?

Cantwell: Ah, certainly. This has remained an economic nightmare for people. Yes, there’s a pass.

Fader: And if Trump rejects the bill, he will have to get two-thirds in both chambers for it to pass. Are there other paths or other options?

Cantwell: Now, my colleague, Senator Ron Wyden, D. Oregon, has introduced another resolution related to this. So the good news is that our colleagues are awake to the fact that the President has gone too far, and that we need to discuss. We need to listen to our constituents. You need to listen to small businesses. You need to listen to the hurtful consumers here and decide what you can to reaffirm yourself in the discussion.

Note: Wyden Privilege Resolution Force votes on emergency declarations President Trump has enacted global tariffs, according to statements from Wyden and other senators who signed it.

Fader: Now, Trump says tariffs are the short-term pain or medication needed to address this long-term problem of a $1.2 trillion trade deficit. Do you agree to that?

Cantwell: I disagree. First of all, we need to continue to cut inflation. Tariffs are like taxes that make everything more expensive in grocery appliance stores. If the president wants to use power, he should try to unite people collectively, like Europeans and other Asian countries, and try to counter China in that way through a coalition. And they were able to force open markets or even fairer accommodations.

Fader: Is that an approach that will support you in filling the trade gap?

Cantwell: Ah, certainly, yes. I am one of the most trade-dependent states in the country. And we are extremely proud to build planes and grow a lot of agricultural produce. So we want the United States to become the economic leader of tomorrow and create all the job that comes with it. And I think the way you get there is, just like these companies have become a large juggernaut company in the northwest, is to innovate, have a great, skilled workforce and have an open market to sell your products. There are strategies to take the next step that will help the US gain more market share in information age. And we should do that, bring in the best trade allies and make them mad when they really need to be on our side.