Washington — On Tuesday, a coalition of House Republicans took a stand against their leadership, effectively derailing a crucial procedural vote intended to safeguard President Trump's expansive global tariffs.
In a surprising turn, three Republicans sided with all Democrats to defeat the initiative after GOP leaders postponed the vote for seven hours, attempting to persuade dissenters with pressure from the White House.
Earlier in the week, the House Rules Committee had passed a measure that would prevent lawmakers from introducing resolutions to challenge Trump's tariffs until July 31. This provision was attached to a procedural resolution concerning unrelated legislation. Typically, such rules are approved by the majority party, but with Republicans holding a slim majority, they could only afford one defection during the vote.
The decision to embed this language into the rule followed the expiration of a previous ban on disapproving resolutions in January, coinciding with Democrats' plans to push for a vote aimed at terminating Trump's tariffs on Canada.
"This isn't what rules are for," remarked Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley from California before the vote. "The rule is to bring bills to the floor and set the parameters for debate. The purpose is not to sneak in unrelated language that expands the power of leadership at the expense of our members."
Kiley's sentiments were echoed by fellow GOP Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Don Bacon of Nebraska, who also opposed the tariff-related language.
Last year, Trump invoked emergency powers to impose significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing these nations' insufficient efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration into the U.S. While Canadian goods compliant with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement are exempt from these tariffs, Trump has consistently threatened additional levies against Canada amid deteriorating relations.
In previous Senate votes last year, four Republicans joined Democrats in attempts to block Trump's tariffs on Canada. However, these votes served more as symbolic gestures than effective measures since Trump retains veto power over any disapproval.
Overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers, a feat deemed improbable.
During oral arguments in November, the Supreme Court expressed skepticism regarding Trump's unilateral authority to impose tariffs. A ruling from the court is anticipated before its summer recess begins in late June or early July.
"The rationale for extending this until July is to allow the Supreme Court to rule on this case that everyone is watching," House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated at his weekly news conference. "That process has been playing out. I think it's logical to allow that to continue."
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, also from Louisiana, indicated that leadership and the White House were exerting pressure on members to conform ahead of the procedural vote.
Despite criticism from GOP members regarding the blockade, Johnson remained hopeful about achieving a successful outcome.
