House votes to challenge Trumps Canada tariffs in rare bipartisan rebuke

Published: Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 12:00 am

House Votes to Challenge Trump's Canada Tariffs in Rare Bipartisan Rebuke

Washington - In a rare display of bipartisan defiance, the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to challenge President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada. The vote, which saw Republicans joining Democrats, marks a significant, though largely symbolic, rebuke of Trump's trade policies. The resolution, which passed 219-211, seeks to end the national emergency Trump declared to impose the tariffs. However, the policy's actual undoing would require Trump's support, which is considered unlikely.

The vote highlights growing unease among lawmakers regarding the economic impact of Trump's trade strategies, particularly as midterm elections approach. The resolution's author, Rep. Gregory Meeks, framed the vote as a choice between lowering the cost of living and maintaining high prices out of loyalty to Trump.

The tariffs, which Trump imposed, have sparked unrest among businesses and constituents facing economic challenges. Trump has previously threatened to impose even higher tariffs on Canadian goods due to Canada's proposed trade deal with China, escalating tensions with the longtime U.S. ally.

House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to prevent the vote, citing a pending Supreme Court ruling on the tariffs. However, his efforts were unsuccessful as Republican defections forced the showdown. The resolution now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future.

The resolution specifically targets the national emergency declared by Trump, which the administration used to justify the tariffs. The administration cited illicit drug flow from Canada as an "unusual and extraordinary threat." While some Republicans, like Rep. Brian Mast, defended the tariffs, citing the fentanyl crisis, others, such as Rep. Don Bacon, argued against them, emphasizing Congress's role as an independent branch and the negative impact of tariffs on economic policy.

BNN's Perspective:

This vote underscores the complexities of trade policy and the challenges of navigating political divides. While the House's action is largely symbolic, it reflects a growing concern about the economic consequences of trade wars and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Finding common ground on trade remains a critical issue for both parties.

Keywords: House vote, Trump tariffs, Canada, bipartisan, trade policy, national emergency, economic impact, midterm elections, Mike Johnson, Gregory Meeks, fentanyl, tariffs, trade war, Congress, Republican, Democrat

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