US Senate Rebuffs Trump's Global Tariffs, Breaking with Republican Tradition
In a rare display of unity, four US Senate Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting Donald Trump's global tariffs, which have been a contentious issue in the administration's trade policies. The vote marked the third time this week that Republicans have aligned with Democrats on tariff-related issues.
The resolution to end the base-level tariffs on more than 100 nations was passed with a narrow margin of 51-47, with Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voting in favor. This move breaks with Republican tradition, as Republicans have historically supported Trump's trade policies.
The opposition from the Senate comes as the House is unlikely to take similar action, thanks to a rule passed earlier this year that blocks resolutions on tariffs from getting a floor vote.
Critics argue that the tariffs are an overreach of executive authority and harm American businesses and workers. The resolution to end the tariffs was seen as a symbolic rebuke to Trump's trade policies, with Senator Tim Kaine describing it as a way to "catch his attention."
The development comes as tensions between the US and China remain high, despite recent talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The two leaders reportedly reached an agreement on rare earths, which are used in a range of high-tech applications.
Other news from Washington include:
* New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency to free up funds for food banks affected by the federal government shutdown.
* US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in a shooting in southern California, prompting a federal investigation.
* The wife of a British political commentator who was detained by immigration authorities while on a speaking tour of the US said she had only been able to speak with him for 30 seconds since his detention.
As Halloween approaches, Americans may find themselves facing higher prices for their favorite treats due to rising costs caused by Trump's tariffs and climate change.
In a rare display of unity, four US Senate Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting Donald Trump's global tariffs, which have been a contentious issue in the administration's trade policies. The vote marked the third time this week that Republicans have aligned with Democrats on tariff-related issues.
The resolution to end the base-level tariffs on more than 100 nations was passed with a narrow margin of 51-47, with Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voting in favor. This move breaks with Republican tradition, as Republicans have historically supported Trump's trade policies.
The opposition from the Senate comes as the House is unlikely to take similar action, thanks to a rule passed earlier this year that blocks resolutions on tariffs from getting a floor vote.
Critics argue that the tariffs are an overreach of executive authority and harm American businesses and workers. The resolution to end the tariffs was seen as a symbolic rebuke to Trump's trade policies, with Senator Tim Kaine describing it as a way to "catch his attention."
The development comes as tensions between the US and China remain high, despite recent talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. The two leaders reportedly reached an agreement on rare earths, which are used in a range of high-tech applications.
Other news from Washington include:
* New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency to free up funds for food banks affected by the federal government shutdown.
* US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in a shooting in southern California, prompting a federal investigation.
* The wife of a British political commentator who was detained by immigration authorities while on a speaking tour of the US said she had only been able to speak with him for 30 seconds since his detention.
As Halloween approaches, Americans may find themselves facing higher prices for their favorite treats due to rising costs caused by Trump's tariffs and climate change.
. It's about time they saw sense, especially with the state of American businesses being what it is right now 
. I mean, who doesn't want lower prices and more choice in their shopping basket? 
. And let's be real, it's not like the Democrats have been perfect on this front either... they've got some growing up to do too 
. This is a win for common sense and maybe, just maybe, we can start having more reasonable trade policies in this country 
.
... I guess even they can't resist the temptation of doing the right thing for once. It's not like it's a huge deal or anything, just a little symbolic rebuke to Trump's trade policies... yeah, that's it. Anyway, I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that McConnell and his crew are getting roasted by their own party members for their lack of backbone 
. And hey, who needs Republican tradition when you've got unity, right? 
the fact that 4 rep senators joined dems on this one is like a major blemish on trumps trade record lol. susan collins, mitch mcconnell & rand paul all voted for it? that's low even for them. it just goes to show that even some repubs are getting tired of trump's antics. and yeah, the fact that they're still using tariffs as a way to get attention from xi Jinping is like, so predictable. 
Either way, I'm kinda stoked that we're seeing more unity on this issue. Maybe it means Trump will actually listen to people for once? 
Wouldn't that be nice?! 
. and now with china still being super tense with us... it just feels like a big mess 
I mean, who doesn't want lower prices on candy and other spooky season treats? 
. Can't we just stick to a simple, easy-to-understand format for our trade policies? 
Like, what's the plan here? Are we going in one direction or another? It feels like we're just winging it and hoping for the best 
.
... I know food banks need help, but isn't there a better way to do this? A more visually appealing layout, maybe? 
Like, a clear timeline or something?
. Maybe we can find a middle ground and create a new format for trade policies that works for everyone 
. Just think about it: tariffs 101 - a simple, easy-to-follow guide to global trade 
It's like they're trying to stick it to Trump. And honestly, who wouldn't want to go against the grain on this one? The whole thing feels like a big ol' game of economic chicken. 
. Meanwhile, climate change is still killin' the world and nothin's changin' 
. On top of that, prices for Halloween treats might go up 'cause of Trump's tariffs and climate change 
. Just great 
.
. It's like they realized that Trump's trade policies might not be the best idea after all 
. Maybe this is a sign that Trump's trade policies need to be rethought (again 
. We should be looking out for each other, not trying to make ourselves richer off someone else's struggles 
, Trump's tariffs and the resulting price hikes on Halloween treats are gonna drive us all nuts 
. Can we please just get our priorities straight for once? 
But can we really trust that the House won't take similar action later on? That rule change does seem like a slippery slope...
. And on a related note, the whole thing with China reminds me of how complex global politics can get – rare earths are basically like the unsung heroes of high-tech, right? 
