The Senate failed on Wednesday to end President Donald Trump’s controversial “Liberation Day” tariff strategy. Several key Republicans joined Democrats in trying to cancel the national emergency behind the tariffs. Despite that effort, Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote to keep the policy alive.
Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, introduced the resolution to terminate the emergency declaration. Because of its “privileged” status, the Senate had to hold a vote. However, the final tally reached a 49–49 tie. This triggered Vice President Vance’s constitutional role as Senate president. He voted in favor of the Trump policy.
Before the vote, GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul announced they opposed the tariffs. They argued the policy went too far. Senator Paul took to the Senate floor to remind conservatives of old economic values. He said conservatives should oppose new taxes, including those on trade. According to him, tariffs are just taxes by another name.
“Trump’s tariff powers face growing resistance,” Paul told reporters after the vote.
Senator Collins also criticized the policy. She called the national emergency declaration overly broad. She said the resolution, though imperfect, sent the right message. Notably, two senators missed the vote: Mitch McConnell and Sheldon Whitehouse. Whitehouse was reportedly flying back from South Korea during the proceedings.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune tried to stop future attempts to bring up the same resolution. He filed a motion to table it. That vote also tied, forcing Vance to cast another deciding vote. Again, he sided with Trump’s position.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives appears unlikely to act on the issue. Several GOP leaders there remain loyal to Trump’s trade vision. However, this vote signals something new. Trump’s tariff powers face growing resistance even inside his own party.
As debates over tariffs continue, DC Brief will follow every step.
