Senate Passes Resolution to Challenge Trump's International Tariffs

CBS News

On Thursday, the Senate made a significant move by passing a resolution aiming to counter President Trump's implementation of tariffs affecting various nations globally. This represents the third occasion this week that the Senate has opposed his trade strategies.

The resolution passed with a narrow 51 to 47 majority. Interestingly, it saw backing from four Republicans alongside the Democratic members. Among the Republicans supporting this measure were Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul from Kentucky, Susan Collins from Maine, and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski. This was possible without the typical 60-vote supermajority because it only required a simple majority.

While symbolically important, the resolution faces a dim future in the Republican-majority House and is unlikely to progress. Spearheaded by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the Democrats managed to push this vote forward by circumventing the Republican Senate leadership through a clause in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, initially invoked by the President to set tariffs.

Back in April, President Trump declared a national emergency, pointing to "structural imbalances in the global trading system," leading to the introduction of a baseline 10% tariff on imports from all foreign countries.

Senator Wyden emphasized on the Senate floor that the President's tariff actions overstep legal boundaries, thereby justifying the need to pass this resolution to halt what he described as unlawful tariffs.

Wyden stated, "The United States Senate should not merely observe the operations of the federal government. When it concerns international trade and tariffs, the U.S. Congress possesses clear jurisdiction."

Conversely, Senator Mike Crapo from Idaho voiced his opposition, suggesting that the resolution might hinder not help American individuals and businesses at this time.

He remarked, "Countries for decades have levied tariffs against Americans without proper counteraction. President Trump's current endeavors, according to Crapo, have started yielding positive outcomes in negotiations."

This vote was timely, following President Trump's announcement of slashing tariffs on China, influenced by a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China, involved in what was labeled "Liberation Day" tariffs, has been entwined in a persistent trade dispute with the U.S.

Vice President JD Vance supported the President's tariff strategies earlier in the week, citing their importance in prioritizing American workers and industrial resurgence domestically.

Vance highlighted, "Tariffs serve as potent tools, compelling investments within the USA and serving as a strategic leverage in trade negotiations worldwide."

Earlier in the week, the Senate expressed similar disapproval twice towards other Trump administration measures. Thursday's decision marked another instance of the Senate conveying its stance on the administration's trade policies.

Back in April, an attempt to oppose Trump's tariff move was voted upon but failed to gain traction, partly due to the absence of two senators previously against the tariffs.

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