Skip to content

Trump’s Trade Policy Could Face Senate Test This Week

McConnell not against vote on Corker measure that would give Congress more oversight

President Donald Trump, here at the Capitol last month, changed his tone about NATO as he was leaving a summit in Belgium. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
President Donald Trump, here at the Capitol last month, changed his tone about NATO as he was leaving a summit in Belgium. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

President Donald Trump’s trade policy, including steel and aluminum tariffs, could be put to the test on the Senate floor this week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was not against holding a vote on legislation from Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., that would give Congress more oversight of President Donald Trump’s national security tariff actions as part of the farm bill debate.

“The farm bill is open for amendments,” the Kentucky Republican said.

“What I’ve counseled my members is, whether this is going to be an uncomfortable vote or not, why don’t we just have a policy internally we’re not going to block each other’s votes,” McConnell said. “Now, the other side can block votes.”

McConnell noted his concerns about the effects of the steel and aluminum tariffs on his home commonwealth, where Toyota operates a large manufacturing facility. He also referenced retaliatory tariffs that are raising the cost of Kentucky Bourbon.

The majority leader made his remarks at a breakfast event hosted by Politico.

“I simply don’t know whether there’s going to be a vote on the Corker proposal,” McConnell said. “I don’t object to having the vote, but I don’t know at the beginning of this process what’s going to happen.”

Watch: Corker Chastises Fellow Republicans for Blocking His Tariff Amendment

Loading the player...

 

President Donald Trump’s trade policy, including steel and aluminum tariffs, could be put to the test on the Senate floor this week.

Recent Stories

Supreme Court split on Idaho abortion ban in emergency rooms

Donald Payne Jr., who filled father’s seat in the House, dies at 65

Biden signs foreign aid bill, says weapons to be sent to allies within hours

Airlines must report fees, issue prompt refunds, new rules say

Capitol Ink | B Movie

States move to label deepfake political ads