Congress Votes to Rescind Trump’s Tariffs on Canada
In a recent vote, Congress has decided to repeal President Trump’s executive order that instituted various tariffs on Canadian goods. This decision follows unsuccessful attempts by Republican leaders to shield the president from such a public reprimand.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), is more symbolic than actionable, as it still needs to go through the Senate and is unlikely to override a presidential veto. Nevertheless, its passage highlights a significant majority in Congress that is doubtful about these tariffs.
The House approved Meeks’ joint resolution with a vote of 219-211. Notably, six Republican lawmakers—Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Jeff Hurd (R-Colorado), Kevin Kiley (R-California), and Thomas Massey (R-Kentucky)—teamed up with Democrats on this bill. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) was the lone Democrat to oppose it.
Democrats are also looking at similar actions against tariffs affecting other nations like Brazil and Mexico, indicating they might push for future votes.
Meeks’ resolution directly addresses an executive order from February 1, 2025, when President Trump declared a national emergency that resulted in Canada facing a 25% tariff.
This vote occurred against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations between President Trump and Canada. Despite Republican efforts to safeguard the president from this symbolic defeat through procedural means, their plans didn’t hold up. In fact, three Republicans sided with Democrats in a vote to overturn those protective measures.
Currently, under the tariff policies that Trump’s administration has rolled out, many Canadian goods not included in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) face a hefty 35% tariff. Products under the USMCA are exempt from these customs duties, while most energy imports benefit from a slightly reduced rate of 10%.
There are whispers that President Trump is contemplating withdrawing from the USMCA, a deal he negotiated during his first term. His frustration seems to stem from Canada’s increasing trade relations with China, to the extent that he is threatening to impede the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor.
Throughout his second term, Trump has had a tumultuous relationship with Canada, even bringing former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to tears over various disagreements.
Lastly, past efforts in the Senate to restrict Trump’s tariff powers have emerged, notably concerning Canada, Brazil, and other countries. Yet, for any significant change to take place, overcoming a presidential veto would necessitate a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress.
As Trump navigates these challenges, the upcoming Supreme Court decision regarding his use of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) could pose further obstacles to his administration’s protectionist approach.
