Nebraska congressman warns of economic downturns following sweeping tariffs

Nebraska 2nd District Congressman Don Bacon on Thursday warned widespread tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump could lead to an economic downturn.

Trump has proposed minimum 10% tariffs on dozens of countries, with many expected to see much higher rates. He walked back the tariffs on Wednesday, calling for a 90-day pause on implementing them on all countries except China.

Bacon said the tariffs the Trump Administration has proposed remind him of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 in which tariffs led to “fuel on the fire of that depression.”

Bacon added that he is “worried” about the tariffs’ impacts on international trust, although he does stand by supporting the president’s power of negotiations.

Despite that support, Bacon believes that Congress should have more say on the tariffs, which is why he introduced a bill in the U.S. House earlier this week that would put limits on presidential power to impose tariffs. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced its companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

H.R. 2665, known as The Trade Review Act of 2025, would require congressional approval for any unilateral tariffs proposed by the president. It is co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado and Democratic Reps. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Gregory Meeks of New York.

While Bacon said he supports reciprocal tariffs, he has concerns about the sweeping tariffs and their potential impact on consumers. He adds that the power of the purse is with Congress.

“We have ceded some of that power to the president or the executive branch, and it was supposed to be done for emergency reasons,” Bacon said. “I think what's happened this past week was beyond just dealing with an emergency, was to try to reset tariff policy for the country, and I think by definition, that should have been approved by Congress.”

The bill would establish a process for Congress to review new or increased tariffs by requiring the president to notify members within 48 hours of imposition, including an assessment on U.S. consumers and businesses. It would also limit the imposed tariff to 60 days unless Congress approves an extension, as well as other powers of disapproval.

“I don't think it's going to be easy sledding, but I think maybe over time, people will say, you know, this is the right way to get our authorities back,” Bacon said.

Both bills have received bipartisan support, but Trump has threatened to veto the proposed legislation.