Speaker Johnson Delays Vote to Shield Trump Tariffs Amid Republican Defections
Key Facts
- Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a House rule vote on Tuesday due to lack of support.
- The rule contained language blocking any votes to overturn President Trump's tariffs until at least July.
- House Republicans hold a one-vote majority, leaving no room for multiple defections on partisan votes.
- Reps. Kevin Kiley, Thomas Massie, and Victoria Spartz have publicly committed to voting 'no' on the rule.
- Ford Motor Company reported a $900 million loss attributed to tariffs on Tuesday.
- 19 House Republicans were absent for votes held on Monday evening.
Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a House rule vote Tuesday after several Republican members threatened to block a procedural measure designed to protect President Donald Trump’s tariff authority. The proposed rule included language that would prevent the House from considering legislation to overturn the administration's tariffs through July. This maneuver was intended to preempt a planned effort by Democrats to force a vote specifically targeting tariffs on Canada later this week.
With a one-vote majority in the House, Republican leadership cannot pass partisan measures if more than one member defects. At least three Republicans—Reps. Kevin Kiley, Thomas Massie, and Victoria Spartz—confirmed they would vote against the rule. Kiley criticized the inclusion of unrelated language that he claimed expands leadership power at the expense of members, while Massie cited concerns regarding Congress ceding authority to the administrative state. Other members, including Reps. Don Bacon and Jay Obernolte, have not yet declared their positions.
The legislative delay coincides with new data regarding the economic impact of trade policies. Ford Motor Company disclosed a $900 million hit related to tariffs on Tuesday, contributing to the automaker's largest-ever quarterly loss on electric vehicle charges. GOP leaders are currently attempting to secure votes and address attendance issues, as 19 House Republicans were absent for the first day of the legislative week on Monday.
Historical Context
The dispute reflects an internal party disagreement over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, specifically regarding whether Congress has ceded too much trade authority to the administration. Republican leadership is using procedural 'rule votes'—which typically follow strict party lines—to block opposition efforts to roll back tariffs on foreign partners like Canada.
Perspective Analysis
Sources: Wall Street Journal · The Hill · Politico · Fox News | Aggregators: Economic Monitor
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