President Donald Trump emerged victorious in a closely contested Senate vote on Wednesday, as a resolution seeking to overturn his tariffs narrowly failed.
The resolution, S.J.Res. 49, was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and aimed to terminate the national emergency declared by President Trump on April 2, 2025. This emergency had imposed a 10% tariff on most imports to the United States, along with additional duties on certain trading partners. The vote ended in a 49-49 tie, which, by Senate rules, results in failure.
According to RedState, the vote saw three Republican senatorsRand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaskasupporting the resolution. Meanwhile, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) were absent, leaving the vote deadlocked. The situation led to a motion to reconsider, which was subsequently met with a motion to table. This second vote also resulted in a tie, prompting Vice President JD Vance to step in and cast the deciding vote in favor of tabling the motion. Consequently, the resolution will not be revisited.
The absence of McConnell and Whitehouse raised questions, particularly given McConnell's previous support for a similar bill aimed at reversing Canadian tariffs earlier in April. A GOP Senate member informed The Hill that McConnell was unable to vote due to illness.
David Popp, a spokesperson for McConnell, stated, "The Senator has been consistent in opposing tariffs and that a trade war is not in the best interest of American households and businesses. He believes that tariffs are a tax increase on everybody." Meanwhile, Whitehouse was reportedly traveling from South Korea, which accounted for his absence.
With the legislative challenge to Trump's tariffs thwarted, attention now turns to the judicial arena. The Court of International Trade is set to determine the fate of these tariffs, as the case has officially been transferred to this court. The outcome of this judicial review will be pivotal in deciding whether the tariffs will endure or face further challenges.
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