The US House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at reversing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, marking an unusual moment of dissent within the Republican Party.
In Wednesday’s vote, 219 lawmakers supported the measure to end the president’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on Canada. A total of 211 representatives opposed the bill.
Several Republicans joined Democrats in backing the legislation, signalling growing unease within the party over Trump’s trade policies.
The Republican Party holds a slim majority in the House, with 218 seats.
Democrats Challenge GOP Loyalty
Ahead of the vote, Democratic lawmakers urged Republicans to distance themselves from Trump’s economic strategy.
Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, who introduced the resolution, framed the decision as a choice between lowering costs for American families or standing by the president.
The vote arrives during a pivotal midterm election cycle. Primary contests begin in March, followed by general elections in November, with all House members facing voters in their districts.
As Trump’s approval ratings fluctuate, Republican lawmakers face political pressure: support policies that have drawn criticism over rising prices or risk backlash for opposing their party’s leader.
Trump Warns of Political Consequences
Before the vote, Trump publicly cautioned Republican lawmakers against siding with Democrats.
In social media posts, he warned that any Republican who voted against tariffs could face primary challenges.
Trump has defended his tariff strategy, arguing that Canada has benefited unfairly in trade relations and that tariffs serve US economic interests.
Uncertain Future in Senate and Beyond
The bill now moves to the Senate, which previously passed similar measures in April and October last year.
While the legislation may clear the upper chamber, it faces a likely presidential veto. Overriding such a veto would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate — a threshold that would demand far greater Republican defections than seen this week.
Public Opinion and Legal Challenges
Public polling suggests tariffs remain controversial. A February survey by the Pew Research Center found that 60 percent of respondents opposed increasing tariffs, while 37 percent supported the policy.
Democrats are hoping dissatisfaction with trade measures and other issues, including immigration enforcement actions, will help them regain control of Congress.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of the United States is reviewing the legality of the president’s broad tariff authority after lower courts ruled against aspects of the policy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson had urged Republicans to delay action until the court issues a decision. However, six Republican lawmakers — including Thomas Massie, Don Bacon, and Brian Fitzpatrick — broke ranks to bring the bill to the floor.
Bacon argued that Congress should assert its constitutional authority over trade matters rather than defer entirely to the executive branch.
A Rare Congressional Rebuke
Although the bill may not ultimately become law, Wednesday’s vote reflects rare bipartisan momentum to challenge the administration’s trade strategy.
With elections approaching and legal scrutiny mounting, Trump’s tariff policy on Canada remains both a political flashpoint and a constitutional debate over the balance of powers in Washington.