Senate may vote to block some of Trump’s tariffs amid bipartisan concerns

The Senate could vote as early as today on a resolution aimed at blocking some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

(CNN)- The Senate could vote as early as today on a resolution aimed at blocking some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs—an effort gaining rare bipartisan momentum. The resolution, co-sponsored by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), would revoke Trump’s April 2nd executive order that declared trade deficits an “unusual and extraordinary threat,” a move that allowed the White House to impose tariffs without congressional approval.

“The Constitution gives Congress the authority to impose duties,” Senator Paul said. “I have two objections. One is the emergency declaration, and the other is the economic objection to tariffs.”

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who voted for a similar resolution in the past, echoed Paul’s concerns. “Should the president have 100 percent of the authority in this particular area? Some of us think Congress probably ought to have some impact on that,” McConnell said.

Supporters of the resolution argue that unchecked presidential authority on tariffs undermines congressional power and could worsen economic conditions. “A trade war is ultimately paid for by taxpayers,” McConnell warned.

Still, the resolution faces long odds in the House, where new rules protect Trump’s tariffs. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended those measures, calling the resolution a “political stunt” by Democrats. “We’re using the rules of the House to prevent political hijinks,” Johnson said.

Mainstream economists widely agree that tariffs tend to be inflationary. However, Trump and his allies insist the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs. “You’ve got to take the long view,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). “His policy decisions are the right ones, and I think over time that will bear fruit.”