The Senate voted Wednesday to rein in President Donald Trump on key tariff policies — a day after the upper chamber defied the president's criticism of NATO with a vote supporting the multinational alliance.
In an 88-11 vote, the Senate approved a non-binding motion backing a role for Congress in requiring tariffs based on national security, such as those Trump imposed on steel and aluminum imports and is contemplating on autos, Bloomberg news reported.
The administration said Tuesday it would impose a new round of 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods as part of a dispute over alleged Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual property.
"This is not being imposed for national security reasons," sponsor Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said on the Senate floor, Bloomberg reported. "This is an abuse of presidential authority."
According to CNN, the tariffs measure aims to build momentum for tougher legislation in the future — although it is not clear if supporters could get supermajority support in the Senate and House to override a likely veto by Trump.
"This is a vote for Congress to assume its rightful role," Corker said, CNN reported. "It's a baby step."
CNN noted the Senate also fired a warning shot to the White House with its vote Tuesday supporting NATO ahead of a summit at which Trump is attending — and where he has been critical of member nations' financial support for military defense.