US House narrowly backs measure against Trump’s Canada tariffs

In a significant symbolic blow, the US House of Representatives narrowly rejected President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods this week. This rare rebuke came as sixty-six Republicans joined all but one Democrat in opposing the use of national emergency to impose punitive trade measures against Canada—a move that underscores the deepening divisions within Trump’s own party.

The resolution passed by 219 votes to 211, marking an important symbolic vote amidst a Republican-majority chamber. While this initial measure faces potential obstacles as it awaits passage in the Senate, which has twice blocked similar efforts under Trump’s leadership, its outcome remains uncertain. Without two-thirds majorities in both chambers, the resolution will likely fall short of becoming law and could face a presidential veto.

Despite most Republicans remaining steadfastly behind President Trump’s policies, lawmakers across party lines have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the rising costs for US consumers as a result of these tariffs and their impact on businesses involved in international trade. Representative Gregory Meeks, of New York, who introduced the resolution, highlighted its importance by asserting that it was about “lowering the cost of living for American families,” contesting claims of an urgent need to address a so-called drug-related national emergency.

“This is not about drugs; Canada isn’t a threat,” said Meeks. “We are allies and friends.” His impassioned plea echoed broader Congressional sentiment, which had already shown frustration at Trump’s use of executive orders to set tariffs on close trading partners like Canada, despite the US Constitution giving Congress exclusive authority over tariff-setting.

For some legislators, this latest action demonstrated their willingness to challenge President Trump’s actions. Following recent votes, members from both parties joined Democrats in voting against efforts by Republican leaders to block challenges to the president’s policies. In light of these developments, many have voiced concerns about how such trade measures might exacerbate existing tensions on America’s northern border and contribute further to rising costs for U.S. families.

While Canada maintains its status as a close ally through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), it remains a source of contention due to suspicions over its role in illegal drug trafficking, allegations that have been widely discredited by both Canadian and American authorities. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has stated that only a negligible fraction—less than one percent—of fentanyl found in the United States originates from Canada.

The resolution comes as part of a broader pattern of Trump’s trade measures impacting close partners within his own party, including an 25% tariff on Canadian goods and recent plans to hike tariffs further. These actions have not only strained diplomatic relations with allies but also contributed significantly to rising costs for American households—an issue that has sparked increased scrutiny into the president’s executive authority in setting international tariffs.

The growing debate over whether the US Constitution vests exclusive powers of tariff-setting with Congress rather than the presidency appears poised to continue, reflecting both partisan divisions and a public eager for more transparent leadership as the Trump administration inches toward its end.