House Votes to Reverse Trump Tariffs on Canada, 6 Republicans Defy Party

Legislation aimed at overturning the President's national emergency declaration at the northern border passed with bipartisan support.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The House of Representatives passed legislation on Wednesday that would reverse President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, with several Republicans joining Democrats in a rare rebuke of the GOP commander-in-chief. The measure, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), used a privileged resolution to force a vote over the objections of House majority leadership. Trump had implemented the additional 25% tariff on most goods from Canada and 15% tariff on Canadian energy in 2025, citing the need to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Why it matters

The bipartisan vote highlights growing concerns over the impact of Trump's tariffs on American families and businesses, as well as the strain they have placed on the U.S.'s relationship with its closest ally, Canada. Opponents argue the tariffs have harmed American consumers and exporters without addressing the underlying issues the White House cited.

The details

The legislation passed with the support of 6 House Republicans, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), who said "It is time for Congress to make its voice heard on tariffs." Supporters argued the tariffs have cost American families nearly $1,700 and reduced U.S. exports to Canada by over 21%. However, some Republicans like Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) defended the tariffs, claiming they were necessary to address the fentanyl crisis by pressuring Canada.

  • President Trump signed the executive order implementing the tariffs in February 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who implemented the tariffs on Canada that are now being challenged.

Gregory Meeks

A Democratic Congressman from New York who is leading the legislation to reverse Trump's tariffs on Canada.

Brian Mast

A Republican Congressman from Florida who argued the tariffs were necessary to address the fentanyl crisis.

Don Bacon

A Republican Congressman from Nebraska who voted against Trump's tariff policy.

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What they’re saying

“In the last year, tariffs have cost American families nearly $1,700. And that cost is expected to increase in 2026.”

— Gregory Meeks, Democratic Congressman (1010wcsi.com)

“Canada is our friend. Canada is our ally. Canadians have fought alongside Americans, whether it was in World War II or the war in Afghanistan, where 165 Canadians gave their lives after our country was attacked. There is no national emergency, there is no national security threat underpinning these threats.”

— Gregory Meeks, Democratic Congressman (1010wcsi.com)

“The gentleman over here, 5,000 people per year die in his state alone from fentanyl. So if he wants to beg the question of who's going to pay the price of him trying to end an emergency, that actually, for the first time, has Canada dealing with fentanyl because of the pressure being put on them — who's going to pay the price? It's going to be 5,000 more of his state's residents. That's who's going to pay the price.”

— Brian Mast, Republican Congressman (1010wcsi.com)

“It is time for Congress to make its voice heard on tariffs.”

— Don Bacon, Republican Congressman (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The legislation now heads to the Senate, which has voted in the past to restrict Trump's tariff authority. Even if it succeeds there, however, it's likely to be hit with a veto from the president.

The takeaway

This bipartisan vote reflects growing concerns over the economic and diplomatic costs of Trump's tariffs, with some Republicans joining Democrats to challenge the President's use of emergency powers to bypass Congress on trade policy. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches on tariff decisions.