Four things to know:
- GOP leaders inserted language into a procedural measure that nullified the House’s ability to vote on resolutions to overturn tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. This procedural measure was included in the legislative process that facilitated the March 11 passage of the House GOP’s government spending bill.
- House Democrats had planned to force a vote on resolutions to cancel tariffs under the National Emergencies Act, which would have required Republicans to take a public stance on tariffs. The National Emergencies Act allows lawmakers to terminate a presidential emergency declaration such as the one President Trump used to impose tariffs on Feb. 1.
- Rep. Greg Meeks of New York, who introduced the privileged resolution to terminate President Trump’s imposed tariffs, criticized the move arguing that House leadership was afraid of letting members vote on lowering costs for Americans. “If Congress can’t act to lower prices, protect retirement savings and hold the President accountable, what are we even doing here?” Mr. Meeks said.
- Senate Democrats could still attempt to force a vote, however, for the tariffs to be terminated, a resolution would need to pass both chambers and receive President Trump’s signature.