Tariff Showdown: Senate Fails to Overturn Trump's Tariffs
Senate's bipartisan bill aimed at repealing Trump's worldwide tariffs falls short
WASHINGTON - A bi-partisan attempt to undo the extensive tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on several countries this month met defeat in the GOP-led Senate on Wednesday. The vote ended in a tie, 49-49, with three Republicans - Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, joining all Democrats present, offering support for the resolution intended to terminate the national emergency Trump declared to enforce his global tariffs[1][2].
The absence of Sens. Mitch McConnell and Sheldon Whitehouse during the vote left the measure short of the simple majority it needed to pass. Senator Paul, along with Senator Ron Wyden, deployed a legislative procedure to compel a vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority[2].
Following the tie vote, the Senate later in the evening opted to table a Democratic motion designed to allow them to force another vote next week on the tariffs resolution. The outcome, 50-49, saw Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote[1].
Regardless of the outcome, the resolution would most likely not be considered in the GOP-controlled House. Republicans in the House recently approved a mechanism that introduces hurdles for lawmakers intent on quickly advancing resolutions concerning Trump's tariff authority[2][3]. In addition, the White House has stated that Trump would veto the resolution if it crossed his desk[1][3].
In April, the Senate approved a more limited resolution aimed at obstructing the U.S. tariffs on Canada. Familiar faces joined the Democrats on this occasion, including McConnell and the three Republicans who opposed the latest resolution[1].
On the day the tariffs took effect, Trump surprised the public by announcing a 90-day suspension of higher targeted tariffs for most countries, allowing for negotiations[1][3]. Concurrently, Trump raised tariffs on China to 145%[1].
That same day, the Commerce Department reported that the U.S. economy contracted 0.3% in the first quarter of the year[1]. In response, Trump urged patience on his Truth Social platform[3].
Trade negotiations have reportedly been in progress between U.S. officials and countries affected by the tariffs. While administration officials have insisted that progress is being made, few details have been shared, and there has been a lack of clarity regarding the timeline for the announcements of any agreements reached[3].
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer informed Senate Republicans that foreign nations have been reaching out to negotiate trade deals, and he remains optimistic that several agreements will be reached in the forthcoming weeks[3].
Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso criticized the senators who forced the vote, suggesting that their actions were intended to hinder the placement of more Trump administration officials in key positions[3].
Sens. Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell presented a bill targeted at Trump's tariffs. Rather than halting them immediately, the measure would see the tariffs expire after 60 days if Congress failed to vote in favor of their explicit approval[3].
Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who is facing a difficult re-election campaign, continues to collaborate with Grassley on his legislation; however, he did not support the measure put forward by Paul and Wyden, branding it a "political exercise"[3].
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- Despite the bipartisan attempt to terminate President Trump's tariffs, the vote in the GOP-led Senate failed, with exactly four-nine votes, as three Republicans joined Democrats in support.
- The failed resolution would likely not be considered in the GOP-controlled House, where Republicans have introduced hurdles for lawmakers aiming to quickly advance resolutions concerning Trump's tariff authority.
- The White House has indicated that Trump would veto the resolution if it were to reach his desk.
- In a separate matter, Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso criticized senators who forced the vote on Trump's tariffs, suggesting their actions were politically motivated to hinder the placement of more Trump administration officials in key positions.
