The U.S. Senate has turned down a proposal to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs, raising concerns about their effects on the economy. The vote ended in a tie at 49-49, just hours after new government data revealed that the U.S. economy had contracted for the first time in three years.
This vote took place on a Wednesday, and it highlighted bipartisan worries about the potential fallout from Trump’s trade policies. The resolution aimed to challenge the tariffs, which include a hefty 145 percent duty on imports from China. However, it was seen as largely symbolic since it was unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and would ultimately face a veto from Trump.
Three Republican senators—Rand Paul from Kentucky, Susan Collins from Maine, and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska—joined all Democrats and Independents in supporting the measure. This rare dissent from within Trump’s party indicates growing unease about the economic implications of the tariffs.
Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, emphasized the Senate’s role in trade matters, stating, "The Congress has the power to set tariffs and regulate global trade." He expressed frustration at what he called "tariff madness."
Senator Paul, who co-sponsored the resolution, mentioned the importance of discussing the tariffs’ impact. He warned that if the economy continues to decline and stock markets react negatively, it would prompt serious questions about whether the tariffs are beneficial or harmful.
Despite these concerns, Trump has downplayed fears that his tariffs could lead to a recession. The recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce showed a 0.3 percent contraction in the economy during the first quarter of the year, a period before the most severe tariffs were imposed. A recession is generally defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth, so the situation remains closely watched as the year progresses.