Reuters- A closely divided US House of Representatives rejected a bid by Republican leaders to block the legal challenges to President Donald’s tariffs, prompting Democrats to undo US tariffs on Canada.
The politicians voted 217-214 to reject the plan aimed at blocking the tariff challenges through July 31, with three republicans joining Democrats in opposition. The restriction was an integral part of a distinct measure to facilitate an open debate on three unrelated bills.
Don Bacon, one of the representatives of republicans rejecting the ban, argued that he does not want to pause important work going on within the House, but Congress must facilitate a debate on tariffs.
Another lawmaker from Nebraska said on X that tariffs are a net negative for the economy, as they can lead to significant taxes on imported goods that American farmers, manufacturers, and consumers are paying.
The conflict among legislators provides a significant obstacle for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who cannot afford to lose more than one vote at any cost.
The Democrats anticipate applying pressure to the House to take action on a possible vote sometime around Wednesday that would end Trump’s declaring a national emergency to implement tariffs on Canadian merchandise in response to the country’s actions against the U.S. due to Trump’s tariff policy.
Additionally, they have crafted legislation that would roll back Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Mexico and a number of other countries as well.
Johnson also told reporters that he expects measures to be passed by the House, considering them necessary in view of the expected Supreme Court ruling on the validity of the tariff.
Read: US House Narrowly Rejects Tariff Ban; Democrats Target Trump Trade Policy
The rule barring tariff challenges was first adopted by House Republicans in March and later extended through January.
However, the rule expired due to opposition from Republicans, who raised concerns over the costs borne by US companies and American families relying on international trade.
According to Yale Budget, last month, the annual median cost of tariffs was estimated at $1,400 for every household. The nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimated the cost at $1000 per household in 2025, increasing to $1,300 this year, in a recent report
