Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado recently broke with President Donald Trump, marking a notable deviation from the path he has tread since assuming office.
This break stems from Hurd's opposition to the recently announced "Liberation Day" tariffs, which President Trump intends to impose on roughly 90 nations without seeking congressional consent.
The Washington Examiner reported that Hurd is spearheading a legislative initiative to enhance Congress's role in tariff administration alongside Representative Don Bacon.
Since entering office three months ago, Hurd has generally supported the president, with his criticism of the pardons issued by Trump for January 6 being a rare exception. Now, he has taken a significant step further by backing bipartisan legislation aiming to limit the president's control over tariff decisions.
The "Liberation Day" tariffs, as announced by Trump, propose a sweeping economic move that bypasses congressional approval, affecting a multitude of countries. This course of action prompted Hurd and Bacon to co-sponsor the Trade Review Act of 2025.
Designed to enhance legislative oversight, the act seeks to curb the president's unilateral tariff powers, allowing Congress to play a more substantial role in such decisions.
For Hurd, his legislative stance is rooted in constitutional principles, particularly those outlined in Article 1, which designates legislative powers to Congress.
Reflecting on the need for legislative authorization of executive decisions, Hurd emphasized, "I think most folks recognize the importance of this issue for us as an institution." His dedication to these principles is unwavering, regardless of the sitting president's identity.
Furthermore, he reiterated this sentiment by asserting that his commitment extends beyond partisanship and is fundamentally about honoring the Constitution.
Hurd stated, "That's what the Constitution says, and I would say that regardless of who the president is." This underscores his position that Congress must wield its entitled authority over issues such as tariffs.
The bipartisan effort undertaken by Hurd and Bacon draws inspiration from past legislative frameworks, notably the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Like this resolution, the Trade Review Act is crafted to uphold checks and balances between branches of government.
It would enable Congress to terminate tariffs through a resolution of disapproval while requiring a joint resolution for extending tariffs beyond a 60-day window.
Parallel to Hurd and Bacon's initiative in the House, Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley have put forth similar legislation in the Senate. However, President Trump has expressed a firm intention to veto any such bills, maintaining his stance on the Liberation Day tariffs. Despite anticipated challenges, both legislative chambers endeavor to press ahead with their efforts.
Despite a lack of enthusiasm from Republican leadership in the House, Hurd and Bacon remain steadfast in advancing their legislation. They are actively seeking additional co-sponsors to broaden the bill's support base.
Hurd's district, the 3rd Congressional District of Colorado, offers its own unique political landscape, being rated by the Cook Political Report as "likely Republican" though still considered "in play."
In contemplating his political environment, Hurd emphasizes his dual focus on constitutional fidelity and addressing his constituents' concerns, particularly in the realm of agriculture.
Expressing his commitment, he remarked, "One of the things I said when I was running for office was that my top two priorities were the Constitution of the United States and making sure that I take care of the 3rd Congressional District."
Meanwhile, Congressman Bacon, who represents a highly competitive district, highlights the importance of constitutional procedures over the tariffs themselves.
He expresses support for some of the tariffs but underscores that the matter transcends their specifics, aiming instead to uphold the framework of governmental checks and balances as devised by the nation's founders.
