GOP Tariffs: House Rebukes Trump on Canada Duties

The GOP tariffs fight cracked open Wednesday night when six House Republicans defied threats from President Donald Trump and voted with Democrats to condemn U.S. duties on Canada. The measure passed 219-211 and now goes to the Senate, which has already twice voted to block Trump from imposing tariffs on Canada despite its 53-to-47 Republican advantage.

Trump had posted shortly before the vote that he would make sure any dissidents “seriously suffer” when seeking re-election. The rebellion was another sign that his grip on the party is loosening — members who are retiring, or who fear the tariff policy will hurt their re-election chances more than his wrath, voted against a policy that remains the foundation of his economic strategy. Trump is certain to veto the move if it reaches his desk.

Bacon Leads the Defectors

Among the Republicans who broke ranks was Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is not seeking re-election in November. Bacon wrote that members of Congress “cannot & should not outsource our responsibilities,” adding that as an old-fashioned conservative he knows “tariffs are a tax on American consumers.”

Most Republicans remain unwilling to oppose the president, especially over a policy that underpins his entire economic agenda. But the defectors sent an unmistakable signal of unease.

Collins Stakes Out Distance

The tension also surfaced in this week’s Senate debates. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins emphasized her independence during her debate performance, saying she has “been extremely outspoken” in her opposition to the Canadian tariffs and has voted repeatedly to repeal them. Collins also pointed to her vote against Trump’s signature tax and policy bill and her criticism of his approach to the war in Iran.

It was the latest example of vulnerable Republicans defying Trump ahead of the November 3 midterms, as the party’s closing message on trade faces its toughest internal test yet.

Source: The Times / CNN