House Democrats are already planning to force votes overturning at least two of President Trump's tariffs, with more likely to follow, senior lawmakers tell Axios.
Why it matters: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has repeatedly blocked these votes over the past year, but his attempt to do so on Tuesday was thwarted by a trio of Republican defectors in a late-night vote.
- Johnson's procedural maneuver to stop Democrats from forcing votes to end Trump's tariffs under the National Emergencies Act failed 214 to 217, with Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) breaking away.
What they're saying: "We are going to do Canada today and follow with Mexico," House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) told Axios in a text message Wednesday morning.
- The New York Democrat later told Axios that he also plans to force votes overturning the Brazil and global "Liberation Day" tariffs.
- Still, a House Democratic leadership aide cautioned that Republicans may still try to maneuver to block the tariff votes from coming to the floor.
Reality check: While the measures could garner the simple majority needed for Senate passage, Trump could then simply veto it.
- It's highly unlikely Congress has the two-thirds majorities in both chambers to overturn his veto.
- That means the House votes would effectively be symbolic rebukes of the president's tariffs.
Editor's note: This story has been updated.
