U.S. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, has taken a stand against Donald Trump’s tariffs and is preparing to introduce a bill in the House that mirrors a bipartisan Senate legislation aimed at restoring congressional authority over trade levies. Bacon’s move is particularly significant as he is the first Republican House member to break ranks with the president on this issue. The tariffs have raised concerns among lawmakers, including many Republicans, who warn of potential inflation and a recession if the tariffs are implemented.
The bipartisan Senate bill, introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell, aims to give Congress more control over future trade duties by requiring the president to explain the reasoning behind imposing tariffs and assess their potential impact on U.S. businesses and consumers. The bill would also allow Congress to vote to end the tariffs at any time. Several Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senators Thom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, and Jerry Moran, have joined as cosponsors of the bill. The House recently voted to prevent lawmakers from attempting to force a vote to end the emergency declaration Trump used to implement the tariffs.
Don Bacon’s opposition to Trump’s tariffs is not the first time he has criticized the president. In a recent New York Times op-ed, Bacon called out Trump for being too lenient on Russia and failing to oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin more forcefully. Bacon has also criticized the dysfunction in government, despite voting for a temporary spending bill last month. Bacon expressed his opposition to the tariffs, stating that he strongly opposes the use of tariff authority to impose nonreciprocal tariffs. He also noted his relief that Trump has not imposed further tariffs on Nebraska’s biggest trading partners, Canada and Mexico.
Nebraskans, according to Bacon, prefer free trade agreements over trade animosity caused by tariffs. Senator Grassley emphasized the need for Congress to assert its constitutional role in regulating trade and ensure it has a voice in trade policy. Senator Susan Collins warned of the harmful effects of tariffs on Maine families, particularly in terms of price hikes on essential goods like food, gas, and heating oil. The opposition to Trump’s tariffs from within his own party underscores the broader concerns among lawmakers about the economic impact of the tariffs and the need for Congress to have oversight on trade policies.
The details of Bacon’s bill are not yet clear, but it is expected to mirror the Senate legislation that aims to limit the president’s power to impose tariffs and restore congressional authority over trade duties. Bacon has indicated his intention to work with Senator Grassley to advance the bill in the House, signaling a bipartisan effort to push back against Trump’s tariffs. The introduction of the bill in the House will be a significant step in the ongoing debate over trade policy and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches on this issue.
