3 Republicans join Democrats to block tariff vote moratorium

ANKARA

Three Republicans in the House of Representatives joined Democrats on Tuesday to block an effort by GOP leaders to extend a procedural moratorium that had prevented lawmakers from forcing votes to overturn President Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to The Washington Times.

The 214-217 vote means the House can again consider resolutions to terminate the national emergency declarations Trump used to justify sweeping tariffs, including levies on Canada.

Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Kevin Kiley of California and Don Bacon of Nebraska voted with Democrats to defeat a rule that would have extended the moratorium through July 31.

GOP leaders had sought the extension as Democrats prepared to force a vote to overturn tariffs on Canada, one of the United States’ largest trading partners.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said the delay would have allowed the Supreme Court to rule on a pending case examining the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose tariffs. During oral arguments in November, justices raised concerns about the constitutional implications of bypassing Congress.

Under the National Emergencies Act, Congress can terminate a presidential emergency declaration through a joint resolution of disapproval. Such measures are privileged and can be brought to the floor by any lawmaker, The Washington Times reported.

Bacon said Congress must reclaim its authority over taxes and tariffs, calling the levies a “net negative” for the economy. Massie criticized prior procedural maneuvers blocking votes as “smoke and mirrors.”

Democrats said they plan to begin with a vote targeting tariffs on Canada.