House Votes to Slap Back Trump’s Tariffs on Canada in Rare Bipartisan Rebuke/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The House voted 219-211 to challenge President Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Six Republicans joined Democrats in a rare bipartisan rebuke. The measure now heads to the Senate but faces likely presidential resistance.
House Canada Tariffs Vote – Quick Looks
- Vote tally: 219-211 in favor of ending emergency
- Six Republicans break ranks to join Democrats
- Resolution targets Trump’s Canada tariffs
- Trump warns GOP dissenters of political consequences
- Measure now moves to the Senate
Deep Look: House Delivers Rare Bipartisan Rebuke of Trump’s Canada Tariffs
In a striking display of bipartisan dissent, the Republican-controlled House voted Wednesday to push back against President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, marking one of the first significant congressional challenges to a cornerstone of his trade agenda.
The resolution passed 219-211, with six Republicans siding with Democrats to terminate the national emergency declaration Trump used to justify imposing tariffs on Canadian imports. One Democrat voted against the measure.
Although largely symbolic at this stage, the vote reflects mounting unease among lawmakers facing economic pressures at home. To fully overturn the tariffs, both chambers of Congress would need to pass the resolution and secure Trump’s signature — or override a likely veto.
Economic and Political Stakes
Trump has championed tariffs as leverage to bring trading partners to the negotiating table. However, businesses and consumers have voiced concerns about rising costs and supply chain disruptions stemming from escalating trade tensions.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and sponsor of the resolution, framed the vote as a cost-of-living issue.
“Will you vote to lower the cost of living for the American family,” Meeks asked colleagues, “or keep prices high out of loyalty to one person?”
Minutes after the vote, Trump issued a warning on social media, saying Republicans who oppose his tariffs would “seriously suffer the consequences” in upcoming elections, including primary challenges.
Leadership’s Failed Strategy
House Speaker Mike Johnson had tried to prevent the vote, arguing lawmakers should wait for a pending case before the Supreme Court of the United States reviewing the legality of the tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977.
Johnson attempted to block floor action through a procedural maneuver, but Republican defections during a key vote Tuesday ensured the Democratic resolution could advance.
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett later said the president would work to prevent repeal of the tariffs.
Ending the Emergency Declaration
The resolution seeks to terminate the national emergency Trump declared a year ago, citing illicit drug flows — particularly fentanyl — from Canada as justification for imposing tariffs outside the framework of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
Rep. Brian Mast, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the administration’s position, arguing that fentanyl trafficking constitutes a legitimate national emergency.
However, experts note that most fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. originates from Mexico, with significantly smaller volumes traced to Canada.
GOP Divisions Surface
The vote highlighted divisions within the Republican conference over trade policy and congressional authority.
Rep. Don Bacon, who supported the resolution, said Congress should assert its constitutional role over tariffs rather than defer to the executive branch.
“Why doesn’t Congress stand on its own two feet?” Bacon asked, emphasizing the legislative branch’s authority over taxation and trade.
Other Republicans, including Rep. Keith Self of Texas and Rep. Darrell Issa of California, backed the president’s position, warning against limiting executive flexibility in trade negotiations.
What Happens Next?
The measure now heads to the Senate, which has previously signaled opposition to the tariffs. Even if it clears both chambers, Trump is expected to veto the resolution.
Still, the House vote underscores growing tension between congressional Republicans and the White House — particularly as economic concerns weigh heavily ahead of midterm elections.
Whether the resolution ultimately changes trade policy or simply amplifies political divisions, Wednesday’s vote marks a rare moment of bipartisan resistance to the president’s agenda.
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