Senator Ron Wyden Introduces Bill to Limit President Trump’s Tariff Authority

President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs of 50 % on a broad range of Canadian imports. The move invoked a near-century-old trade law that has rarely been used, prompting immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

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On June 17, 2026, Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon and the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, unveiled legislation intended to curb the president’s “broad tariff powers.” The bill would eliminate several statutory tools that allow the executive to set import duties and would require congressional approval for the remaining authorities. Analysts note that the measure faces steep odds: Republicans control both chambers of Congress, and even if passed, the president could veto it.

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• “Donald Trump has abused every trade authority at his disposal, and he is now excavating a law from the Great Depression to once again impose vast, unilateral tariffs on products from one of our closest allies and trading partners,” — Ron Wyden, senator

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• “This is yet another shakedown that will raise the cost-of-living for Americans, their families, and small businesses across the country,” — Ron Wyden, senator

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• “If Wyden actually cared about America and Americans, he would work with the President to build on the trillions of investments that he has secured with tariffs, not play foolish political games that accomplish nothing,” — Kush Desai, white house spokesman

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• Retaliatory tariff rate announced by Trump: 50 % on a wide array of Canadian goods.

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• Congressional composition: Republicans hold majorities in both the House and the Senate, creating a structural hurdle for the bill’s passage.

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The episode underscores a renewed clash between the executive’s trade prerogatives and congressional oversight, with both sides invoking economic impact and national-interest arguments.

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