A bipartisan effort to challenge former President Donald Trump’s trade policy failed in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, hindered by key absences and procedural maneuvers.
The Senate voted 49-49 on a resolution that aimed to revoke the emergency authority Trump is using to impose global tariffs. The measure would have effectively blocked the tariffs, but it fell short of the majority required for passage.
Notably, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who has previously criticized Trump's tariff policies, and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse were both expected to support the resolution but were absent during the vote. Their absence proved pivotal to the outcome.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune moved swiftly to prevent any renewed attempt to bring the resolution to a vote, further stalling the bipartisan initiative.
Even if the resolution had passed in the Senate, it faced a dead end in the House of Representatives. Earlier this year, Speaker Mike Johnson embedded a provision in a procedural rule that prohibits consideration of such a measure until September 30.
Despite support from several Republicans—including Senators Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—supporters of the resolution were unable to overcome the challenges posed by absences and internal party resistance.
Earlier in April, the Senate had passed a symbolic measure condemning Trump’s tariffs on Canada. However, House Republicans blocked any similar measure from moving forward by employing the same procedural tactics.
Trump has remained steadfast amid criticism from Congress, previously stating he would veto any resolution aimed at reversing his trade actions.
Source; CNN.com
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