The Senate has passed a resolution challenging President Trump’s tariffs, which were imposed on Canadian goods at a rate of 25 percent. The measure, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, received support from both Democrats and four Republican senators. However, it is unlikely to receive a vote in the House of Representatives.
The Senate’s decision follows President Trump’s announcement of a 10 percent tariff on all imports into the United States. The joint resolution is nonbinding, and House Republicans are not expected to address it. The resolution seeks to terminate an emergency statute that was activated through an Executive Order by President Trump. The order justified the tariffs by stating that fentanyl was entering the U.S. from Canada, creating a national emergency.
Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky were the Republicans who joined Democrats in approving the measure. Proponents of the resolution argue that the law should target adversaries, not Canada, a longstanding ally of the U.S.
Senator Tim Kaine, who sponsored the resolution, highlighted the detrimental effects of tariffs on American families and stressed that Canada is an ally, not an enemy. He emphasized the need to collaborate in fighting fentanyl without imposing tariffs.
President Trump preemptively criticized Republicans supporting the measure in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, and expressed his intent not to sign the bill if it passed Congress. He urged Republicans to resist the Democrats’ efforts and depicted the Senate bill as a strategy to reveal weaknesses in certain Republican senators.
During a press conference, Kaine, alongside business owners, warned that the tariffs would negatively impact businesses and consumers. Bill Butcher, president of Port City Brewing in Virginia, projected significant price increases for his products and feared customer defection to cheaper alternatives.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a supporter of the resolution, argued that there was no justification for imposing tariffs on Canada and highlighted the potential harm to industries in Maine, such as tourism, farming, and lobster processing.
Although support for the resolution existed, many Senate Republicans opposed it. They argued that removing the emergency status could hinder efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis. Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota spoke against the resolution, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the drug crisis.
Democrats characterized the tariffs as taxes on American consumers. Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, a Republican voting in favor of the resolution, stated that tax policy should be determined by Congress, not the president, in accordance with the Constitution.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with other unions and groups representing retailers and manufacturers, supported the resolution. Neil Bradley, CEO of the Chamber, labeled tariffs as taxes that Americans pay, which would exacerbate the cost of living challenges. He also asserted that the tariffs violated a trade agreement negotiated under the first Trump administration.
