GOP Senators Break Ranks—Join Democrats to Slam Canadian Tariffs in Rare Bipartisan Move

Washington's political trenches just got a surprise shake-up. In a plot twist even Vegas oddsmakers didn't see coming, Republican senators are crossing the aisle to torch Canada's latest trade policies.

Copper-bottomed hypocrisy or strategic play?

The usual free-trade cheerleaders on the right are suddenly cosplaying as protectionists—except when it comes to their donor class's offshore accounts, naturally. Meanwhile, progressive Democrats found themselves in the bizarre position of high-fiving Mitch McConnell's disciples over aluminum import taxes.

Tariffs that'll make your maple syrup boil

Insiders whisper the proposed duties could spike lumber prices another 15%—because nothing says 'infrastructure week' like making home renovations cost more than a Wall Street IPO. The move comes as Canada quietly shifts 8% of its softwood exports to Asia, leaving US mills choking on sawdust.

As the political theater unfolds, one thing's clear: when bipartisanship finally happens in 2025, it's not for healthcare or wages—it's to fight over who gets to milk the trade war cash cow. Somewhere, a lobbyist is buying a third yacht.

CANADA act offers tariffs exemptions for small businesses

Under the CANADA Act, those fees would no longer apply “with respect to goods imported by or for the use of small business concerns,” using the government’s existing definition of a small enterprise.

The White House declined to say whether Trump would approve the exemption if it reached his desk.

During a telephone interview, Welch said the legislation would also require Congress to scrutinize any subsequent tariffs, including the 35 % rate proposed for August, arguing the damage extends well beyond consumer price hikes.

“Vermonters really love Canadians, and are very upset about what has happened to the relationships that many of our businesses have built up over the years,” he told CNBC.

The senator noted that Canada “understandably is furious and hurt by the way they’ve been treated,” pressure that is already spilling into Vermont’s tourism sector.

Industry data indicate that visits from Canada to Vermont, and to destinations across the rest of the United States, have dropped markedly this year, hurting hotels, eateries and retailers that depend on cross‑border customers.

Trump initially defended the Feb. 1 duties by claiming Ottawa had not curbed illicit drugs and crime along the northern frontier. When Canadian leader Justin Trudeau promised action, the administration suspended the tariffs for 30 days.

A subsequent March 2 order further postponed termination of the long‑standing de minimis rule, which allows low‑value parcels to enter the country without duty.

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