WASHINGTON Republicans are once again debating whether to stand up to President Donald Trump on trade, setting up another potentially explosive fight between the president and his party.
Trump last week threatened to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican goods on June 10 if Mexico doesnt do more to stop the growing flow of migrants crossing its northern border into the U.S. The tariffs would rise gradually every month until they reached 25%, where they would stay until Mexico acted, Trump said. His remarks prompted alarm among officials on both sides of the border.
Many Republican lawmakers say theyre worried about the economic effects of the planned tariffs, which would likely raise prices on consumers and could even nullify some of the GOP tax cuts, according to one study . They also worry that the tariffs could derail passage of Trumps new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade pact.
Several administration officials gave a presentation during a caucus lunch on Tuesday about the planned tariffs and the legal rationale behind them. It was received poorly by GOP senators, many of whom wondered how the tariffs would go into effect. Some even warned that Trump could face a rebellion on the matter.
There is not much support in my conference for tariffs, thats for sure, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) acknowledged afterward during a press conference.
However, McConnell did not say if the Senate would act to block the tariffs on Mexico, saying instead he hoped the tariffs could be avoided and the two countries could cut a deal during a meeting between U.S. and Mexican officials scheduled for Wednesday.
Other GOP senators were more blunt about the consequences Trump could face if he decides to go forward with the tariffs, including even potentially a veto override which would be the first of his administration.
The president has to consider whether or not a veto can be sustained, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who supports the tariffs, told reporters on Tuesday.
If theres a vote, I think its a very difficult vote for those of us who oppose tariffs, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said. I would not be inclined to vote [for] a tariff against a friend.
Congress can override a presidents decision if it can muster the necessary two-thirds vote of each house.
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