By: Hannah Brandt
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A group of senators is taking on President Donald Trump’s tariffs, including at least one Republican.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is pushing to pass a resolution to end President Trump’s emergency declaration over fentanyl, which he used to implement tariffs on Canada.
“We’re here to stop a huge national sales tax being imposed on Americans,” Kaine said.
Democrats like Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) say the tariffs will increase costs for Americans at a time when high prices are already an issue.
“This was the guy that was supposed to lower the price of commercials. When he’s doing absolutely the opposite,” Warner said.
At least one Republican senator is supporting the resolution: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is a cosponsor. However, it will need votes from four Republicans and all Democrats to pass the Senate.
“They got to be willing to stand up. They said they’re concerned about tariffs, fine, you’re concerned. Now, we’re giving you a vote. You can stop them if you want to,” Kaine said.
The president bashed the resolution on his Truth Social writing: “We are making progress to end this terrible Fentanyl Crisis, but Republicans in the Senate MUST vote to keep the National Emergency in place, so we can finish the job, and end the scourge.”
Even if the resolution does pass through the Senate, it would still have to get through the Republican-controlled House.
Sen. Kaine acknowledges it’s an uphill battle but says a bipartisan vote on the bill could make a difference.
“Might convince the White House, ‘Hey look, there’s a better way to treat Americans citizens, and customers,'” Kaine said.
This legislation is narrowly focused on blocking the tariffs on Canadian goods. But Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says they’re concerned about all of the tariffs the president is imposing.
“This is just a nightmare for the American economy, a nightmare for the American worker, a nightmare for American businesses,” Schumer said.
The Senate is planning to vote on the resolution on Wednesday.
