On Wednesday evening, a group of Senate Republicans joined Democrats and independents to pass a resolution aimed at overturning President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. The Senate voted 51-48 in favor of the measure, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia. This resolution seeks to end the national emergency declaration that Trump used to impose the tariffs earlier this year.
Despite this vote, the resolution faces tough odds. It still needs to pass the House of Representatives, which is controlled by the Republicans, making its future uncertain. Additionally, Trump has indicated he would veto the resolution if it reaches his desk.
Among the Republicans who broke party ranks to support the resolution were Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas did not participate in the vote.
Collins highlighted the importance of Canada to Maine’s economy, stating that the tariffs would negatively impact many families and local businesses. She acknowledged sharing Trump’s concerns about fentanyl trafficking but argued that Canada is not responsible for the crisis in the same way as Mexico and China.
Before the vote, Trump criticized the GOP senators who supported the resolution, calling it a Democratic ploy and urging constituents to contact their senators. He maintained that Canada was contributing to the fentanyl problem and predicted that the resolution would not succeed in the House.
Earlier this year, Trump imposed these tariffs, claiming that Canada was not doing enough to combat drug trafficking. In response, Canada announced its own retaliatory tariffs of 25%.
Kaine, along with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mark Warner, argued that the tariffs disrupt the U.S. economy, raise costs for consumers, and strain an important trade relationship. They emphasized that the tariffs could lead to a damaging trade war.
After the vote, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso stated that House Speaker Mike Johnson had already declared the resolution dead on arrival in the House. He dismissed it as a meaningless attempt to undermine Trump’s efforts to secure the Northern Border.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding trade policies and the challenges of balancing party loyalty with local economic interests.