Richmond, Va. — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine is leading a new legislative effort aimed at curbing President Donald Trump’s authority to impose tariffs without the approval of Congress. This move follows Trump’s recent threats to impose taxes on imported goods from countries like Mexico, China, and even Canada, a key U.S. ally.
During his campaign, President Trump vowed to reduce grocery prices for American consumers. However, experts are now raising concerns that his tariff policies could drive prices higher across various sectors, which could ultimately lead to greater economic strain for households.
Senator Kaine, who has long criticized the president’s trade policies, expressed his concern about the potential financial burden on American families. “It’s going to cause pain,” Kaine said in an interview. “We may have some, short term, a little pain,” Trump himself had previously acknowledged, suggesting the impact of tariffs could be temporary. However, Kaine warned that the long-term consequences of a trade war would be felt widely.
Kaine’s concerns were echoed by other political leaders and economists, including Senator Mark Warner, who stated that the average American family could face an additional $1,200 in costs annually due to the tariffs. However, VCU economics professor and supply chain expert Brett Massimino suggested that this estimate might be too conservative. “I think it could be significantly more than that,” Massimino noted. “The price of grain impacts the price of eggs, and the price of eggs impacts the price you pay at restaurants. If you factor in all these indirect costs, the overall impact would likely be much higher.”
Experts predict a ripple effect in prices, with common goods such as berries, avocados, car parts, and lumber potentially seeing steep price hikes. The proposed tariffs are part of Trump’s broader strategy to hold foreign nations accountable for issues such as illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. While Trump suggests these measures could strengthen U.S. industries in the long term, economists remain skeptical. Massimino pointed out that many companies might instead relocate jobs abroad to avoid the impact of tariffs, potentially undermining the president’s economic goals.
In light of the growing concerns over the tariffs, Senator Kaine has introduced legislation that would require Congress to approve tariffs on U.S. allies and trade partners. The bill aims to restore checks and balances, placing more oversight on presidential trade decisions and ensuring that such economic policies are subject to broader debate.
Responding to questions about how the tariffs might affect Central Virginians, Kaine acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation but emphasized that the price increases were already starting to materialize. “What’s happened to the price of eggs? They’ve gone up,” Kaine said. “Tariffs are going to increase prices, and he’s acknowledging that now. Sadly, he fooled a lot of people.”
At present, the U.S. president holds the authority to impose tariffs unilaterally, but Kaine’s proposed legislation seeks to challenge this power, requiring legislative approval for tariffs on allies and trade agreement partners. The senator’s push is centered around strengthening the role of Congress in trade policy and providing greater oversight to safeguard the interests of American consumers.
