Overview
- Democrats won control of both chambers in the Nov. 3 midterm election and Sen. Ron Wyden has said he will draft legislation to undo the tariffs when he gains committee control in January.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the Democratic effort as good for American families and workers but said he has not yet spoken with Wyden or other incoming U.S. leaders and Ottawa continues separate talks with the Trump administration.
- The tariffs were imposed by the president through executive orders, including large 50 percent duties on more than $20 billion of Canadian goods, which means Congress cannot simply repeal them without confronting presidential trade authority.
- President Trump can veto repeal bills so Democrats would need significant Republican support to override a veto and some Republicans from border states have previously voted against the tariffs, creating a possible bipartisan path.
- The levies have strained integrated supply chains and raised costs in border states, so next steps in Congress could include hearings, targeted repeal votes, or changes to the statutes presidents use to impose emergency tariffs.