donald trump: US House Rebukes Trump’s Canada Tariffs in Rare Bipartisan Vote
Lawmakers passed the resolution by a vote of 219-211, rejecting the national emergency that would have allowed the administration to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. Six Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in supporting the approach, highlighting growing concern within the president’s own party.
Republicans Break Sides Over Trade Policy
Among those breaking ties with GOP lawmakers was Colorado Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd, who voted to repeal the tariffs, saying his decision reflected both constitutional responsibility and feedback from voters in his district.
Hurd was joined by Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Kevin Kiley of California, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Dan Newhouse of Washington and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.
Trump Threatens Political Consequences
Before the vote, President Trump issued a warning to Republicans to consider opposing his trade agenda, using Truth Social to talk about political retaliation.
“Any Republican in the House or Senate who votes against tariffs will face serious consequences come Election time, and that includes the Primaries!” Trump wrote.
Despite the warning, the measure moved forward with bipartisan support.
Leadership’s Attempt to Block Voting Failed
House Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House tried to block the vote by inserting language into a procedural manual that would delay such resolutions from reaching the House until the end of July.
GOP leaders argued that lawmakers should wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gives the president the authority to impose tariffs. But that effort collapsed when three Republicans, Bacon, Kiley, and Massie, joined Democrats in defeating the maneuver, allowing the resolution to move forward.
MPs Cited Constitutional Authority
Following the vote, Rep. Don Bacon defended his stance on social media, stating that Congress should reclaim its authority over the trade agenda. He stated that Congress “should be able to debate tariffs” and called them a “net negative” for the economy.
Democratic Representative Jason Crow echoed this perspective, emphasizing the constitutional role of Congress.
“I will do everything possible to take back that power and authority. And that’s the first step when it comes to trade,” Crow said.
Economic Impact Strengthens Opposition
Economic difficulties have put pressure on lawmakers in regions heavily dependent on trade. Canada remains one of Colorado’s major international trade partners, with $1.6 billion in goods exported in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Some small businesses reported increased costs and uncertainty associated with the tariffs, further intensifying opposition.
FAQ:
Q1. What did the parliament vote on?
The House voted for a resolution disapproving of the national emergency used to impose tariffs on Canada. It passed with bipartisan support.
Q2. How many votes were there?
The resolution passed by a margin of 219-211. Six Republicans joined in favor of the Democrats.
