Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Voted to Grant Trump Dictatorial Authority Over Tariffs. This Time His Vote Wasn’t Enough

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick continues to vote to protect President Donald Trump’s game plan on tariffs – but this time his vote fell short.

The procedural measure introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson would have shielded Trump’s future tariffs from Congressional votes. It was defeated 217-214 when three Republicans Congressmen– Thomas Massie (KY-04), Kevin Kiley (CA-03) and Don Bacon (NE-02) – broke party ranks and voted with Democrats to preserve Congress’ constitutional authority to regulate tariffs.  

Called “vulnerable” in this year’s November mid-term elections, incumbent Republican Fitzpatrick (PA-01) sided with the Trump Administration in a vote that would have granted the president unilateral authority to escalate tariffs on trade partners. Fitzpatrick ultimately voted to take power away from himself and relinquish his ability to represent his district on economic policies that reach into each one his constituents’ pockets. Had the measure passed, it would have shielded oversight and future votes on Trump’s tariffs until the summer.

“Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick just voted again for Donald Trump’s cost spiking tariffs. Bucks and Montco families are already struggling and these tariffs add an average of $1,000 per year in higher prices. We can no longer afford Brian Fitzpatrick and his lack of a spine,” said Bob Harvie, a Democratic congressional candidate looking to unseat Fitzpatrick.

Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District is made up of Bucks and a sliver of Montgomery County.

“Last night, Brian Fitzpatrick voted with Mike Johnson and House Republicans to protect Donald Trump’s cost-spiking tariffs. A recent report found that [these] tariffs are spiking costs by $1,000 a year for the average household,” Eli Cousin, spokesman for Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said in an email.

ABC News reported the tariff costs to average Americans could climb higher to $1,300 this year, according to recently released Tax Foundation research.  

Politico reported that last night’s GOP revolt clears the way for a vote on a resolution disapproving Trump’s 25% duties on Canadian goods. Trump’s emergency tariffs ended last month, Politico reported.

INTERVIEW: What Did Sheriff-Elect Danny Ceisler’s Victory and Bucks County Democrats’ Blue Wave on Election Day Teach Us?

Democratic Representatives Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Richard Neal (MA-01) announced in a press release that they are introducing a “privileged resolution to terminate President Trump’s abuse of ‘emergency’ authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports.” 

Meeks is a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Larsen is a ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, and Neil is a ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The House is scheduled to vote on the new resolution today.