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House Rejects Trump's Tariffs Amid Consumer Cost Concerns

2/12/2026

32 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. House voted 219-211 on February 11, 2026 to disapprove U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada.
Six Republicans joined Democrats in backing Rep. Gregory Meeks's (D-N.Y.) resolution opposing the tariffs.
Meeks argued the tariffs are unnecessary despite a fentanyl crisis.
The resolution faces Senate hurdles and would likely be vetoed by Trump.
Lawmakers are concerned about higher consumer costs and harm to businesses.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 goods, exacerbating the Great Depression and prompting retaliatory tariffs from countries like Canada, which led to a 66% decline in international trade. Today, the U.S. House's recent vote against President Trump's tariffs reflects ongoing concerns about protectionism's economic repercussions, echoing historical lessons from the 1930s.

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Story summary

The U.S. House voted 219-211 on February 11, 2026 to disapprove U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada.
Six Republicans joined Democrats in backing Rep. Gregory Meeks's (D-N.Y.) resolution opposing the tariffs.
Meeks argued the tariffs are unnecessary despite a fentanyl crisis.
The resolution faces Senate hurdles and would likely be vetoed by Trump.
Lawmakers are concerned about higher consumer costs and harm to businesses.

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