The U.S. Capitol as seen from New Jersey Avenue SE, January 6, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON – A handful of House Republicans rejected a procedural vote Tuesday night that would have kept intact a ban on congressional action against President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs.
Republican Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Kevin Kiley of California joined all Democrats in 214-217 vote-blocking language to maintain a ban on House votes challenging Trump’s unprecedented import taxes imposed under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). Rep. Gregory Murphy, RNC, did not vote.
“I hate to hold up important House work, but Congress must be able to debate tariffs. Tariffs are a ‘net negative’ for the economy and represent a significant tax on American consumers, manufacturers and farmers,” Bacon said in a post on X after the vote.
“Article I of the Constitution places the power over taxes and tariffs in Congress for a reason, but for too long we have delegated that power to the executive branch. It’s time for Congress to take over that responsibility. I also oppose the use of rule votes to legislate. I want a debate and the right to vote on tariffs,” Bacon continued, referring to rule votes, which often take place before modern rules are introduced.
This provision, rejected in a vote in favor of three unrelated bills, would have kept the ban in place until July 31.
In 2025, Trump repeatedly declared a national emergency. The resolution passed in September effectively prohibited Congress from countering Trump’s emergency tariffs February 1, April 2, July 30 AND August 6.
During these days, the president focused on imports from many trading partners, including high tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil and India.
Trump’s novel exploit of IEEPA to immediately trigger tariffs on global imports is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court after a group of petite businesses sued the president. Judges heard oral arguments in early November, and feedback had been expected for months.
