The U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on Wednesday evening on a bill aimed at ending a set of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, at a time when the U.S. economy is suffering its first contraction in three years, amid increasing criticism of Trump's trade policies.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, is based on the cancellation of the national emergency declared by Trump, which he used as a basis for imposing a global tariff of 10%, in addition to higher tariffs on 57 trading partners, including the European Union.
The resolution is expected to receive support from some Republicans, similar to what happened weeks ago when four Republican members joined Democrats to pass a similar law that eliminated new tariffs on Canada, with the current Republican majority in the Senate holding 53 seats compared to 47 for Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters: "I don't expect a significant difference from what happened in the previous vote."
Republican Senator Rand Paul, known for his critical stance on Trump's trade policy, co-sponsored the resolution, and Senator Susan Collins also announced her intention to support the measure.
This move comes at a sensitive time, as there is a state of concern in economic circles following the release of official data showing a contraction in GDP, increasing pressure on the Trump administration as it prepares to begin a second presidential term amid rising political and economic divisions.