Senate Passes Resolution to End Trump's Tariffs on Canada

Strategic Insights -

The Senate passed a resolution to end President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, marking a symbolic rebuke of the administration's trade policies. The 50 to 46 vote, which included four Republicans joining Democrats, aimed to terminate an emergency declaration from the president that had been used to justify the tariffs. The move is not expected to be taken up by the House, but it sends a message to the administration about the senators' opposition to the tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate resolution to end Trump's tariffs on Canada passed with a vote of 50 to 46, with four Republicans joining Democrats.
  • The resolution aims to terminate an emergency declaration from the president that had been used to justify the tariffs.
  • Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Susan Collins, and former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell were among the Republicans who crossed the aisle to side with Democrats.
  • The four senators had previously voted to block the Canada tariffs in April.
  • Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democratic co-sponsor of the Canada tariff resolution, argued that the president's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was not appropriate.
  • The administration had initially argued that fentanyl flowing from Canada into the US was the inciting emergency, and the tariffs were increased last week after the Ontario Premier ran an anti-tariff advertisement invoking quotes from former President Ronald Reagan.
  • The resolution is not expected to advance beyond the Senate, but it can still send a message to Trump about the senators' opposition to his policies.
  • Sen. Kaine acknowledged that the resolution likely won't advance, but insisted it can still make an impression on the president and cause him to alter his behavior.

Statistics:

  • 50 to 46: The vote tally in the Senate in favor of the resolution to end Trump's tariffs on Canada.
  • 4: The number of Republicans who joined Democrats in voting for the resolution.
  • 16: The number of Democrats who voted against the resolution ( CNN).
  • 1: The additional vote expected on Thursday aimed at ending Trump's "liberation day" tariffs.
  • 10%: The increase in tariffs proposed by the administration after the Ontario Premier ran an anti-tariff advertisement.

Sources:

  • CNN - by Morgan Rimmer, CNN.