February 12, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
In an unusual and widely reported development in U.S. politics, the United States House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a **resolution aimed at repealing tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by President Donald Trump’s administration a decision that reflects growing bipartisan concern over the controversial trade measures and marks a rare congressional rebuke of executive trade authority.
The House approved the resolution, introduced by Democratic lawmakers and supported by a small group of Republicans, by a narrow margin of 219-211, with six Republican representatives joining Democrats in voting to overturn the tariffs. The measure seeks to reverse levies that had been applied to Canadian imports under a national emergency declaration first enacted in early 2025, part of a broader period of trade tensions between Washington and its northern neighbour.
President Trump’s tariff policies had targeted a wide range of Canadian products, leading to increased duties and contributing to economic strain on industries and supply chains on both sides of the U.S.–Canada border. The tariffs were justified by the White House as tools for addressing trade imbalances and national security concerns, including allegations related to the movement of illicit drugs claims that critics in Congress and industry have disputed.
While the House vote demonstrates significant political pushback, its practical effect remains largely symbolic. Analysts note that even if the measure moves to the U.S. Senate, it would face substantial hurdles and could be subject to a presidential veto by Mr. Trump, who has strongly defended his trade authority and policies.
President Trump’s response to the vote was swift and critical. On social media, he accused the dissenting Republicans of disloyalty to his trade agenda and warned of political consequences for lawmakers who opposed the tariffs, reflecting the deep partisan tensions surrounding economic policy and executive power.
Supporters of the resolution argued that Congress — not the executive branch — should hold primary authority over trade policy and that the tariffs have increased costs for consumers and disrupted supply chains without delivering promised security benefits. They framed the House action as a defense of legislative oversight and economic stability.
Observers also noted that previous congressional actions, including earlier Senate votes against aspects of the tariff regime and ongoing legal scrutiny of presidential tariff powers, indicate broader institutional unease with the use of national emergency declarations to impose sweeping economic measures.
The House vote adds a new chapter to the ongoing U.S.–Canada trade dispute, which has at times spilled into public boycotts and policy shifts and has prompted officials on both sides to reassess bilateral economic links amid broader global trade debates.