In a narrow decision, Senate Republicans voted against a Democratic resolution aimed at blocking the broad tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump earlier this month. This vote emerges as a modest victory for Trump, despite skepticism from both parties regarding his trade policies. On April 2, Trump announced extensive tariffs affecting nearly all U.S. trading partners but retracted days later following market instability, opting to suspend these tariffs for 90 days. Amid this uncertainty, the Commerce Department reported a 0.3% decline in the U.S. economy from January to March, marking the first quarterly shrinkage in three years.
The Senate’s 49-49 vote followed a prior resolution which aimed to limit Trump’s power in imposing tariffs on Canada. That vote succeeded narrowly with support from four Republican senators: Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, both from Kentucky. However, the absence of McConnell, a known critic of the tariffs, alongside Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, meant the needed votes for passage were unattainable for Democrats. Democrats emphasized the resolution aimed to force Republicans to clarify their stance and restore congressional authority over tariff actions.
Leading Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, suggested the current economic figures should alert Republicans to reconsider their support for the tariffs. Despite general unease, GOP leaders advised their members against backing the resolution to avoid a direct rebuke of Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance was present during a Senate GOP luncheon where Trade Representative Jamieson Greer assured progress was being made on trade agreements with various nations.
Senator Susan Collins acknowledged the narrow margin reflected growing unease regarding Trump’s strategy, highlighting concerns expressed by employers. Some Republicans viewed the vote as a mere political gesture rather than substantive action. Senator Thom Tillis emphasized he endorsed separate legislation by Iowa’s Senator Chuck Grassley, which wouldn’t necessarily mean backing the Democratic resolution, seen as a political maneuver.
On the flip side, several Republicans supported maintaining faith in Trump’s tariff strategy. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy pointed out a willingness among lawmakers to allow Trump the opportunity to validate his trade system. Senator John Cornyn of Texas remarked that the vote reflected confidence in the president’s policies to demonstrate success. However, Democrats cautioned that failure to oppose Trump could lead to severe economic repercussions. Senate Minority Leader Schumer criticized the tariffs for heightening recession risks and destabilizing markets.
The Democratic resolution pursued an avenue enabled by a statute permitting Congress to invalidate the economic emergency Trump invoked to apply tariffs. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the tariffs as part of a “fake” emergency strategy, arguing they were undermining the economy.
Following the deadlock, Republicans carried out a procedural move to prevent Democrats from reintroducing the resolution. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that Vice President Vance’s presence broke the tie to conclusively dismiss the resolution. Trump’s administration has reassured voters that the tariffs targeted predominantly at China, with tariffs on Chinese goods raised to 145%, will not incite an economic recession. Addressing his Cabinet, Trump contended that his policies have led to significant challenges for Chinese manufacturers. Emphasizing a decrease in reliance on imports, he noted, “Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls,” suggesting a small increment in cost for fewer goods without detriment.