WASHINGTON – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson faced a setback after a procedural vote aimed at reinstating a ban on legislative challenges to former President Donald Trump’s tariffs failed to pass. The failure came as three Republicans joined Democrats in opposition, demonstrating the fragile state of the GOP’s grip on the House.

The House’s inability to advance the vote on Tuesday means that objections to Trump’s tariffs can now progress until July. This outcome paves the way for Democrats to push for votes aimed at repealing these tariffs, representing a significant challenge to the current administration’s economic policies.

In a chamber where every vote counts, the decision of Reps. Thomas Massie, Don Bacon, and Kevin Kiley to cross party lines proved pivotal. Johnson’s current majority is so narrow that he can only afford to lose one Republican vote for legislation to advance successfully.

The Senate has already passed several resolutions expressing opposition to Trump’s tariffs, but efforts to pass similar measures in the House have repeatedly been met with obstruction. Lawmakers have struggled to bring discussions on this pivotal issue to the floor, hampering further debate on the matter.

Rep. Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, articulated the need for Congress to reassess its authority over tariffs, which he described as a “net negative” for the economy. He stated that the cost of these tariffs falls on American consumers, farmers, and manufacturers. “It’s time for Congress to reclaim that responsibility,” he added, emphasizing the constitutional role of Congress in fiscal matters.

Despite GOP leadership advocating for patience until the Supreme Court weighs in on the legality of the tariffs, Johnson acknowledged the difficulties in managing his slim majority. He expressed frustration at not achieving the unity necessary to move forward.

“This is life with a small majority. I need unanimity every day, and we didn’t get it tonight,” Johnson remarked to reporters following the vote.

He maintained that the majority of House Republicans support the president’s trade policy and will continue to provide backing for it. However, the narrow margins and dissenting voices within the party indicate ongoing challenges for the speaker as he navigates critical legislative issues.

As discussions around tariffs remain contentious, both parties appear poised for an intense battle over economic policy moving forward.