The U.S. Senate has been presented with a bill aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's tariff powers following the imposition of a 50% duty on a wide range of Canadian goods this week.
The Congressional Trade Powers Reform Act of 2026, introduced by Democratic U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, seeks to eliminate Trump's use of certain trade statutes while giving Congress more say in the remaining tariffs.
"Donald Trump has pushed the boundaries of power on trade and tariff policies like no other president we've seen before," Wyden stated, highlighting the need for Congress to reassert its authority over trade and tariffs.
The bill comes after Trump used a nearly 100-year-old trade law to enact retaliatory tariffs on Canadian products, and Wyden faces an uphill battle in getting it passed, as Republicans control both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
If the bill does pass in Congress, Trump could veto it, which could potentially hinder its chances of becoming law.
Wyden has expressed concerns that the latest tariffs on Canada will raise costs for farmers, families, and small businesses, and that Trump and his administration cannot be trusted with the American economy.
A White House spokesperson has countered that Democrats like Wyden are not doing enough to help transform the U.S. economy and have accused them of playing "foolish political games" rather than working with the President.
The 50% tariffs, set to take effect on August 19, target a wide range of Canadian goods, including alcoholic beverages, milk products, natural honey, and hockey sticks, but exclude energy products like oil and electricity.
Trump has stated that the tariffs are in response to Canada's stance on free trade over the years, and that the country's leadership is tough and has been for many years.
