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House Challenges Trump: Tariff Opposition Gains Bipartisan Support

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

House passes measure 219-211 as six Republicans join Democrats to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada.
The Senate passed a similar measure, but Trump retains veto power and Congress lacks enough votes to override.
Trump warned on Truth Social that opponents will face electoral consequences.
Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump is not upset with dissenting Republicans.
Rep. Don Bacon says Congress must reclaim authority on tariffs.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, signed by President Herbert Hoover on June 17, 1930, raised tariffs on over 20,000 imports to protect U.S. industries during the Great Depression. However, it provoked retaliatory tariffs from other nations, leading to a 66% drop in global trade by 1934. This act remains a cautionary tale in modern trade policy debates, influencing current tariff discussions.

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Story summary

House passes measure 219-211 as six Republicans join Democrats to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada.
The Senate passed a similar measure, but Trump retains veto power and Congress lacks enough votes to override.
Trump warned on Truth Social that opponents will face electoral consequences.
Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump is not upset with dissenting Republicans.
Rep. Don Bacon says Congress must reclaim authority on tariffs.

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