The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a resolution opposing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, criticizing the administration for initiating a trade dispute with its neighboring country. The House voted 219-211 to terminate the national emergency declared by Trump in February 2025, which enabled the imposition of tariffs on various Canadian products.
Six Republican lawmakers crossed party lines to support the resolution, aligning with Democrats in rebuking the White House. Trump’s emergency declaration, citing concerns about cross-border fentanyl trafficking from Canada, justified the 35% tariffs on certain Canadian goods not exempt under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
While Congress has the authority to review such emergency declarations, Trump can veto the resolution even if the Senate also approves it with a simple majority. Nevertheless, the House’s rejection of the tariffs is a symbolic setback for the president, who has emphasized tariffs in his economic agenda.
Shortly before the vote, Trump criticized the dissenting Republicans on social media, warning of electoral consequences for those opposing tariffs. The resolution received support from six Republicans, including representatives from Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Kentucky, and Washington, with concerns raised about the negative impact of tariffs on their states’ economies.
During the House debate, Democratic lawmakers argued against the emergency declaration, emphasizing Canada’s status as a friend and ally, not a threat. Republicans defended the tariffs, highlighting the fentanyl crisis and Canada’s alleged role in it. The debate coincided with the release of a Congressional Budget Office report projecting increased costs of imports due to tariffs being passed on to consumers.
Efforts to pass anti-tariff resolutions have faced obstacles in the past, with a similar Senate resolution succeeding last year but being blocked by Republican leadership in the House. The fate of tariffs imposed under emergency declarations awaits a Supreme Court decision, following a hearing in November, with a ruling expected by February 20.
Overall, the House vote against the tariffs underscores the ongoing debate over the economic impact and justification of the trade measures imposed by the Trump administration.