US House defeats bid to block challenges to Trump tariffs.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday narrowly defeated a push by Republican leaders to prevent lawmakers from challenging President Donald Trump’s tariffs, voting 217-214. The outcome could allow Democrats to move forward with efforts to overturn the trade measures.

Three Republicans sided with all 214 Democrats in opposing the proposal, which sought to bar any tariff-related challenges until July 31. The restriction had been folded into a procedural resolution meant to advance debate on three separate, unrelated bills.

The setback marks a notable blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who oversees a razor-thin 218-214 Republican majority, leaving virtually no margin for dissent on party-line votes. With Democrats united in opposition, Johnson can afford to lose no more than one Republican on any given measure.

In the wake of the vote, Democrats could push for a House vote as soon as Wednesday to end Trump’s reliance on a national security emergency declaration to justify tariffs on Canada and other key U.S. allies. They have also drafted additional resolutions aimed at blocking tariffs on Mexico and several other nations.

Republicans had enforced procedural rules since March of last year to shield the tariffs from legislative challenges, extending them through January. However, the latest extension lapsed amid internal GOP resistance, as some members raised concerns about the economic burden on American households and businesses reliant on global trade.

The vote came as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson signaled that the Court will need additional time to rule on the legality of Trump’s tariff policies.

Sources: Investing