D.C. Dispatch: Grassley, Hinson respond to Trump tariffs

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch
April 4, 2025

In light of Wednesday’s tariff announcement by President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced legislation this week requiring more congressional oversight of such decisions.

The president announced he was setting a baseline 10% levy on all international imports Wednesday, effective April 5, with higher tariffs on some countries taking effect April 9.

The “Liberation Day” announcement triggered the largest one-day drop in the U.S. stock market since June 2020 and has been met with heavy criticism from American businesses. As part of the response Thursday, Grassley introduced the “American Trade Review Act of 2025” alongside Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington.

The legislation seeks to restore some Congressional authority over tariffs, including requirements that Congress must pass a joint resolution approving a new tariff within 60 days. The legislation would also allow Congress to vote to end tariffs at any time through a resolution of disapproval. The bill would require that within 48 hours of taking action on tariffs, the president must give Congress an explanation of the reason for implementing or raising a tariff along with an analysis of the potential impact on American businesses and consumers.

Grassley said the measure would shift important powers over foreign economic policy from the president to Congress.

“For too long, Congress has delegated its clear authority to regulate interstate and foreign commerce to the executive branch,” Grassley said in a statement. “Building on my previous efforts as Finance Committee chairman, I’m joining Sen. Cantwell to introduce the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025 to reassert Congress’ constitutional role and ensure Congress has a voice in trade policy.”

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa also weighed in on the tariffs Thursday, telling reporters she believes tariffs are needed to ensure fairer negotiations between the U.S. and other countries moving forward.

“The president’s goal here is to not only get other countries to the negotiating table, but really focused on helping to create more opportunity,” Hinson said, according to the Des Moines Register. “… After four years of high inflation — and really no new trade opportunities, no new manufacturing opportunities — that’s what they’re going to see.”

Iowa Democrats have criticized Iowa’s U.S. House delegation — all Republicans — for not pushing back against Trump’s tariff policies, which Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said will hurt Iowa’s economy.

“It’s clear that Iowa’s representatives in Washington are either inept or too afraid to fight back — even when our economy is struggling,” Hart said in a statement. “I’m sure we’ll hear expressions of ‘concern,’ but actions speak louder than words and they voted to give away the farm to a president more focused on tariffs than lower prices. Iowans need independent voices that will do what’s best for Iowa and take us in a more sensible direction.”

Hinson bill would codify Trump order on Treasury Department anti-fraud, waste practices

Hinson introduced legislation Thursday to codify an executive order made by Trump in March titled “Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.” The bill directs the U.S. Treasury Department to work with the Office of Management and Budget to establish recertification and pre-award verification procedures that agencies must use before payments are disbursed, and to “minimize administrative barriers to accessing and using data to prevent fraud and improper payments.”

Agencies are also directed to consolidate financial systems under the order and submit compliance plans to the Treasury Department detailing their efforts to update systems. The bill would also require agencies to share payment information verification and other relevant data for the purpose of identifying fraud or improper payments.

Hinson said in a news release the Government Accountability Office’s estimates the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion each year due to fraud and said that was her motivation to introduce the bill.

“That’s hundreds of billions of your tax dollars flushed down the drain without swamp bureaucrats blinking an eye,” Hinson said in statement. “President Trump’s executive order to prevent improper payments is a great step to end this abuse, and my bill will make this effort permanent to ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are not wasted.”

Nunn backs bill allowing SNAP purchases of hot, ready meals

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn was a part of the bipartisan group introducing the “Hot Foods Act” this week, a bill permitting the purchase of hot, prepared foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP, the food benefits program for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities, currently has restrictions in place that stops recipients from purchasing hot or prepared meals, while allowing benefits to be spent on cold or frozen versions of the same food.

The legislation, led by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, a New York Democrat, would remove limits on hot and ready-to-eat meals, which she said would provide families on SNAP the ability to buy food that suits their needs.

“The Hot Foods Act removes this dated rule preventing people from purchasing hot foods with SNAP, giving flexibility to working parents, people with disabilities, and the many hard-working Americans who need to put food on the table every day,” Meng said. “I am proud to work across the aisle to make this commonsense change.”

In a news release Thursday, Nunn called the bill a “commonsense fix” that will help Iowans on SNAP access convenient, nutritious meals.

“No family should have to choose between hunger and dignity,” said Rep. Nunn. ”Iowans deserve the flexibility to use their nutrition benefits on warm, ready-to-eat meals that make life a little easier — especially for working parents.”

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.