On April 30, 2025, the U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a bipartisan resolution aimed at terminating President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. The vote concluded with a 49-49 tie, falling short of the majority needed to pass the measure. The resolution sought to end the national emergency declaration that authorized a 10% tariff on imports from numerous countries, with higher rates on specific nations, including a 145% tariff on Chinese goods.
The absence of Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), both known critics of the tariffs, proved decisive in the vote’s outcome. Following the tie, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) moved to table the resolution permanently. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, effectively ending the Senate’s attempt to overturn the tariffs.
The resolution was introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), who argued that the power to impose tariffs resides with Congress, not the executive branch. Despite garnering support from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the measure failed to advance.
Critics of the tariffs point to recent economic data indicating a 0.3% contraction in the U.S. economy during the first quarter of 2025, the first such decline since early 2022. They argue that the tariffs have disrupted trade and increased costs for American consumers.
Supporters of the tariffs, including President Trump, contend that the measures are necessary to address trade imbalances and protect national security interests. The administration has emphasized that the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to negotiate fairer trade deals and reduce the U.S. goods trade deficit.
The House of Representatives has also taken steps to prevent similar resolutions from advancing, with Republican leadership implementing rules that block votes on the national emergency declaration underpinning the tariffs until at least October.
