WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, and particularly his aggressive stance against Canada following an unflattering ad aired by the Ontario provincial government, has sparked mixed reactions among Senate Republicans. While some have defended the president, many others have either treaded carefully or voiced outright criticisms.
One of the strongest defenders of the president’s policies is outgoing Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). When asked by Raw Story about concerns that Congress is ceding its tariff power to the White House, Tuberville replied, “No. We got the authority, because we have the House and the Senate and the White House.” He added, “I’m all in. Free trade.” As he entered an elevator in the Capitol building, Tuberville seemed to correct himself, shouting back, “Fair trade!”
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), who represents a state bordering Canada, was also asked about the Canadian ad. He responded, “Canada’s biggest trading partner is Montana… and we’re thankful that when we look north, we see Canada.” Daines emphasized the strong relationship between the U.S. and Canada, adding, “We’ve got a really strong relationship with Canada, and, you know, there’s a few trade differences that we’ve got to keep working out.”
On the other hand, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), one of Trump’s most consistent critics on the tariff issue, expressed strong opposition. Paul told Raw Story, “I will vote to end the emergency. Emergencies are like war, famine, tornadoes. Not liking someone’s tariffs is not an emergency. It’s an abuse of the emergency power, and it’s Congress abdicating their traditional role in taxes.”
Paul is currently co-sponsoring a bill with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) aimed at curbing Trump’s tariff authority. “Taxes are supposed to originate in the House, so I will continue to vote to end those,” he said.
https://www.alternet.org/trump-tariffs-control/