The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a measure on Wednesday opposing tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Canada, marking an unusual challenge to the president and his allies in the Republican-controlled chamber.
Lawmakers voted 219 to 211 in support of a resolution seeking to end Trump’s use of a national emergency declaration to enforce trade penalties on Canadian imports. Six Republicans sided with nearly all Democrats to back the measure. The vote was largely symbolic in the House, where Republicans hold a slim majority, though the resolution could gain traction in the U.S. Senate, which has twice voted to block similar tariffs.
The resolution is unlikely to become law, as overturning an anticipated presidential veto would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers, and most Republicans have remained supportive of Trump’s trade policies.
The House vote followed a failed attempt by Republican leaders to block legislative challenges to the tariffs, after three Republicans joined Democrats to defeat the effort. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the tariffs’ impact on consumer costs and businesses engaged in global trade.
Gregory Meeks, who introduced the resolution, argued the measure aims to ease living costs for American families and disputed claims of a drug-related emergency used to justify the tariffs. Speaking as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Meeks emphasised Canada’s role as a close ally rather than a security threat.
Trump warned that Republicans opposing the tariffs could face electoral repercussions and accused Canada of unfair trade practices.
Some lawmakers have also criticised Trump’s frequent use of executive orders to impose tariffs, arguing that trade authority is constitutionally granted to Congress.
Research groups have estimated that the tariffs have increased household expenses. The Yale Budget Lab estimated the median annual cost at about $1,400 per U.S. household, while the Tax Foundation projected costs of $1,000 per household in 2025, rising to $1,300 in 2026.
Trump launched the tariff dispute shortly after beginning his second term in January 2025, introducing 25% duties on Canadian imports the following month before raising tariffs to 35% in August through an executive order affecting goods not covered under the regional trade pact.
The administration linked the tariffs to concerns over fentanyl trafficking, though both the Canadian government and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have said that less than 1% of fentanyl in the United States originates from Canada.
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