House Republicans Break Ranks, Vote With Democrats to End Trump’s Canada Tariffs
WASHINGTON — In a rare blow to President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, the House of Representatives narrowly voted 219–211 Wednesday to pass a resolution disapproving his tariffs on Canadian goods, marking a bipartisan challenge to his economic leadership.
The close vote exposed rising conflict within the Republican Party, as six GOP lawmakers joined Democrats to back the measure aimed at ending the national emergency Trump invoked to justify the tariffs on Canada.
The resolution from Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., would terminate the emergency declaration that triggered tariffs last year, an action critics say has driven up costs for U.S. consumers and strained relations with America’s top trading partner.
House GOP leadership, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, opposed the move and attempted procedural roadblocks to prevent the vote, but defections within the GOP made the vote possible.
“This is a moment for Congress to exercise its constitutional authority over tariffs,” said a House Republican who broke with leadership, emphasizing the chamber’s role in trade policy.
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The result underscores growing legislative frustration with Trump’s unilateral trade approach and reflects pressure from businesses and voters over rising prices.
The resolution now advances to the Senate and then to Trump’s desk, where a presidential veto is expected, unless a two-thirds majority can be mustered to override.
In an election year, how sharply lawmakers push back against White House trade policies could become a defining issue.
The fallout underscores the limits of executive power and sets the stage for further congressional action on tariffs.
The next key moment will come when the Senate takes up the measure in the coming days.
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