GOP Changes House Rules To Prevent Themselves From Blocking Trump’s Tariffs

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON ― Republicans changed the rules of the House on Wednesday to prevent Democrats ― and anyone in their own party ― from being able to force a vote on stopping President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs through Sept. 30. Speaker Mike Johnson slipped language into a procedural vote on an unrelated measure to bar action on legislation aimed at terminating the national emergency that Trump declared to impose his worldwide tariffs. “Right now, as recently as last night, he told me I think they’re almost 70 countries that are at some stage of negotiation of more fair trade agreements with the United States.” Trump himself seemed to have second thoughts about destroying the global economy: He abruptly announced Wednesday that he’s scaling back tariffs on all countries, except for China. The House rules change blocks it by simply stating that the days between Wednesday and Sept. 30 “shall not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.” Speaker Mike Johnson slipped language into a procedural vote on an unrelated measure to bar action on legislation aimed at terminating the national emergency that Trump declared to impose his worldwide tariffs. “They should be standing up for you, not rolling over for Trump.” The rule change still leaves the door open to the House potentially voting on other bills aimed at reining in Trump’s power on tariffs, such as through a discharge petition, though that would require several Republicans to join with Democrats in what would be a pretty strong rebuke of the president.