U.S. tariffs: House of Representatives vote is significant, but uncertainty remains

Montreal, February 11, 2026 – Tonight’s vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a resolution aimed at countering certain tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by President Donald Trump sends a positive signal, but does not put an end to the economic and tariff uncertainty, the MEI notes.

“Tonight’s vote doesn’t put an end to our tariff woes, far from it, but it remains great news for workers and consumers on both sides of the border,” said Renaud Brossard, vice president of communications at the MEI. “The integrated nature of our supply chains means these tariffs have increased the cost of North American products, hurting both the consumers who buy them and the workers who make them.

“And while this marks the first successful vote in the House of Representatives opposing these tariffs, let’s hope it is not the last.”

The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration cost U.S. households an average of US$1,000 last year and will cost them US$1,300 per household this year, according to the U.S. Tax Foundation. According to the same organization, they represent the largest tax increase in the country since 1993.

A recent Pew Research Center poll indicates that 60 per cent of Americans oppose President Trump’s tariff policy.

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The MEI is an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary. Through its publications, media appearances, and advisory services to policymakers, the MEI stimulates public policy debate and reforms based on sound economics and entrepreneurship.

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