US Senate Passes Bill to Repeal Trump's Tariffs on Brazil in Rare Bipartisan Showdown
In a significant display of unity, the US Senate voted 52-48 on Tuesday to repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Brazilian imports, marking a rare bipartisan effort to counter his trade policies. The measure, led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va), would overturn the national emergency declared by Trump to justify the levies, but it is likely to face opposition in the US House.
The bill's passage was made possible by five Republicans - senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and former Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky - who joined all Democrats in favor. The vote took place during a federal government shutdown, with both sides at odds over spending legislation.
While the bill's prospects are uncertain, its passage reflects growing unease among lawmakers about Trump's trade policies. "Tariffs are a tax on American consumers and businesses," Kaine said in a floor speech, highlighting the economic costs of the levies.
In contrast, McConnell acknowledged that tariffs can have negative consequences for US workers and consumers. "Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive...The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule."
The move comes as Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, citing a national emergency related to the prosecution of his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, many lawmakers have disputed this assertion, with Kaine accusing Trump of attempting an "end-run" around Congress.
Trump's trade policies have been criticized by both Democrats and some Republicans, who argue that they are harming American businesses and consumers. The US House has taken steps to block the president's tariffs on Canada, but it remains unclear whether a similar effort will be successful in relation to Brazil.
The bill is likely to face significant opposition from Trump, who would veto it if it were to reach his desk. Nevertheless, its passage represents a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation and highlights growing concerns about the impact of trade policies on US economic interests.
In a significant display of unity, the US Senate voted 52-48 on Tuesday to repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Brazilian imports, marking a rare bipartisan effort to counter his trade policies. The measure, led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va), would overturn the national emergency declared by Trump to justify the levies, but it is likely to face opposition in the US House.
The bill's passage was made possible by five Republicans - senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and former Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky - who joined all Democrats in favor. The vote took place during a federal government shutdown, with both sides at odds over spending legislation.
While the bill's prospects are uncertain, its passage reflects growing unease among lawmakers about Trump's trade policies. "Tariffs are a tax on American consumers and businesses," Kaine said in a floor speech, highlighting the economic costs of the levies.
In contrast, McConnell acknowledged that tariffs can have negative consequences for US workers and consumers. "Tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive...The economic harms of trade wars are not the exception to history, but the rule."
The move comes as Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil, citing a national emergency related to the prosecution of his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, many lawmakers have disputed this assertion, with Kaine accusing Trump of attempting an "end-run" around Congress.
Trump's trade policies have been criticized by both Democrats and some Republicans, who argue that they are harming American businesses and consumers. The US House has taken steps to block the president's tariffs on Canada, but it remains unclear whether a similar effort will be successful in relation to Brazil.
The bill is likely to face significant opposition from Trump, who would veto it if it were to reach his desk. Nevertheless, its passage represents a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation and highlights growing concerns about the impact of trade policies on US economic interests.
this is actually kinda cool that 5 republicans voted with the dems lol didnt think they'd do that 
but seriously, whats up with trump trying to justify these tariffs by saying he's fighting for his buddy bolsonaro? 
like, come on man, thats just a weak excuse and we all know it 
and kaine is right btw tariffs are a tax on us consumers and businesses, its all about the Benjamins 
. And what's with Trump trying to justify them by saying it's some kind of national emergency? 
That's just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo... anyone who's ever tried to travel or buy something online knows how annoying tariffs are 
️. At least 5 Republicans were brave enough to stand up against him, so maybe we're finally seeing some common sense being applied in DC 
. But let's be real, it's probably just a temporary win and Trump will find a way to screw it up again 
.
"When you're in the midst of making a mess, it's convenient to blame someone else." 
This is actually kinda cool that some Republicans are willing to step up & support a bill that goes against Trump's tariffs 
. And Kaine's point about tariffs being a tax on consumers and businesses is spot on 
. I hope this sets a precedent for more bipartisan cooperation on trade policies 
we need more people like senator kaine speaking up about tariffs hurting everyday americans 
the thing is, though, it's still up to the house to make sure this bill doesn't get vetoed by trump 
if he does, then we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
.
. It's about time someone started pushing back against Trump's aggressive stance on trade. I just hope it doesn't come down to a straight-up veto battle with Trump, because that would be super messy 
.
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all parties comin together to try and make america's trade policies more chill 
to see senate ppl putting aside their differences and working together for once... i mean trump's tariffs were literally hurting american consumers and businesses 
gotta love some bipartisan action 
...I mean, can you even imagine being in Brazil right now and having your imports get blocked due to Trump's tantrums? It's not cool at all 
. Fingers crossed that it passes through the House and can help alleviate some of the economic burdens on American consumers 
. I mean, can you blame them? Tariffs = more costs for consumers and businesses 
.
[Meme of diverse group of people holding hands, with a red heart symbol above them]
[Image of a thermometer dropping, with a " Tariffs" label on it]
[GIF of an American flag being burned]
[Meme of a rocket ship blasting off, with a caption "Tariff-Free Zone"]
"