SC Alaska News

In a recent speech on the Senate floor, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) emphasized the need for Congress to reclaim its authority, particularly in regard to overseeing tariffs. Senator Murkowski expressed concern that the legislative branch has gradually allowed the executive branch to take over this responsibility over the past century.

Senator Murkowski addressed the dramatic shifts in tariff policies implemented by the executive branch, highlighting their impact on both domestic industries and international relations. She referenced President Trump's recent actions, saying, "at 12:01 in the morning on Wednesday, President Trump's tariffs on the countries with which the United States has had the largest trade deficits went into effect on top of the 10% tariff rates that had previously applied to all countries." In addition, she acknowledged the complexity of ongoing negotiations, noting, "this is a unique kind of leverage, most certainly keeping those across the table off balance."

Discussing the constitutional responsibilities of Congress, Murkowski argued, "It's under Article One, Section Eight of our United States Constitution that clearly enumerates that 'Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises.' In other words, the power to levy tariffs rests with us here in the Congress." She pointed out that various legislative acts over the decades have transferred significant authority to the President regarding tariffs.

Emphasizing the broader implications for American businesses and consumers, Murkowski said, "Alaskans are facing consequences. They want to know they have a voice in it, and their voice is us." She supports the Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Grassley and Cantwell, which would require Congress to be notified within 48 hours of any new tariffs and mandate a resolution of approval within 60 days.

Murkowski also touched on the need for Congress to reassert its power more broadly, beyond just tariff control. "The executive has slowly arrogated more and more power since the end of World War II, and it's dramatically accelerated post-9/11," she stated.

While President Trump has expressed opposition to the Trade Review Act, Murkowski insists on the need for legislative action, stating, "Let’s remember our role is to legislate. We owe that to those that we represent, as well as to this institution, for the long-term good of the nation."

Senator Murkowski closed by urging her congressional colleagues to debate and vote on the Act, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring a balanced separation of powers.