The U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolution aimed at ending the national emergency powers used by President Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods. The resolution was led by Tim Kaine (D‑Va.) and joined by four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul—alongside all Senate Democrats.
The effort was a direct challenge to President Trump’s trade policy. The tariffs—imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—were justified by the administration as a response to Canadian practices, including alleged lax controls on fentanyl trafficking and trade imbalances.
Senator Rand Paul argued the emergency powers were misused: “Emergencies are like war, famine, tornado; not liking someone’s tariffs is not an emergency.” Senator McConnell called the tariffs “bad policy” that would hurt American workers and undermine allies.
Despite the Senate vote, the resolution faces low odds of becoming law. The House has previously blocked similar measures until early next year, and the President is expected to veto any resolution that would curtail his tariff powers.
