The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, criticizing the administration for sparking a trade dispute with its neighboring country. The resolution, aiming to terminate the national emergency declared by Trump in February 2025 to enforce tariffs on various Canadian imports, received a 219-211 vote in favor, with six Republicans siding with the Democrats against the White House.
President Trump’s emergency declaration, attributing an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security from Canada’s alleged negligence in addressing cross-border fentanyl trafficking, serves as the basis for the current 35 percent tariffs on certain Canadian products excluded from the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While Congress holds the power to review such emergency declarations, Trump can veto the resolution even if it secures a simple majority in the Senate.
Despite Trump’s authority to veto, the House’s rejection of the tariffs marks a symbolic setback for the president, who has prioritized tariffs as a key economic strategy in his second term. In response to the vote, Trump took to social media to warn Republican dissenters of potential repercussions during the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of tariffs for economic and national security.
The six Republican representatives who supported the resolution include Don Bacon (Nebraska), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Jeff Hurd (Colorado), Kevin Kiley (California), Thomas Massie (Kentucky), and Dan Newhouse (Washington). Newhouse highlighted the adverse impact of tariffs on Washington’s economy, acknowledging the need to address trade issues with Canada despite understanding Trump’s tariff tactics.
During the House debate preceding the vote, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the resolution’s sponsor, criticized Trump for fabricating an emergency situation to justify the tariffs, stressing Canada’s status as a friend and ally rather than a threat. On the other hand, Republican Rep. Brian Mast (FL) accused Democrats of overlooking Canada’s involvement in the fentanyl crisis, defending the tariffs as a necessary response.
The Congressional Budget Office’s latest report forecasts that U.S. businesses will absorb 30 percent of the tariff-related cost increases by adjusting profit margins, passing on the remaining 70 percent to consumers through higher prices. The House’s decision to vote on the resolution came after months of stalling by Republican leadership, with Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to block the vote falling short due to three Republicans breaking ranks.
In a statement on social media, Rep. Bacon stressed the importance of congressional debate on tariffs, labeling them as a burdensome tax affecting American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers. While a similar anti-tariff resolution succeeded in the Senate last year, the House had previously deferred action on it, leaving the fate of Trump’s emergency-based tariffs pending a looming Supreme Court ruling expected by February 20.