Narrow Vote Shows Growing Rift in Congress
The US House of Representatives voted to rescind President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. The chamber approved the resolution with 219 votes in favor and 211 votes against. Six Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to support the measure.
The vote remains symbolic because the US Senate must still approve it and Trump would need to sign it into law. Trump is very unlikely to approve the resolution if it reaches his desk.
Trump Expanded Tariffs After Re-Election
Since his re-election, Trump has imposed several tariffs on Canada. He recently threatened a 100% import tax in response to Canada’s proposed trade deal with China.
As the House debated the issue, Trump posted a warning on Truth Social. He said any Republican who votes against tariffs would face serious consequences during the next election. He also argued that tariffs provided economic and national security benefits.
Speaker Failed to Block Debate
The vote followed an unsuccessful attempt by House Speaker Mike Johnson to block discussion of the tariffs on the House floor. Johnson has aligned closely with Trump in Congress.
Republicans hold a thin majority in the House, and the six defections gave Democrats enough votes to pass the measure.
Democrats Say Tariffs Hurt Allies and Consumers
Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks introduced the resolution. He accused Trump of weaponizing tariffs against allies and destabilizing the global economy. He said the tariffs damaged relations with Canada and pushed Ottawa closer to China. He also said the tariffs raised prices for US consumers.
Republican Lawmaker Calls Tariffs a Net Negative
Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska was one of the Republicans who supported the resolution. He said tariffs created a net negative impact on the economy. He also said tariffs functioned as a tax that American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers pay.
Senate Approval Unlikely and Legal Challenges Continue
The bill now moves to the US Senate, where Republicans also hold the majority. Even if the Senate passes the measure, Trump is unlikely to sign it into law.
Trump’s tariffs also face legal scrutiny. The US Supreme Court will soon rule on a case challenging the president’s authority to impose the levies.
Meeks Plans More Votes on Trade Policy
Meeks said the Canada resolution marks the first of several planned bills to roll back Trump’s trade actions. He said the fight would continue with measures targeting tariffs on Mexico, Brazil, and global tariffs announced on Liberation Day.
