Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faced backlash for attempting to delay tariff votes by redefining a day to extend President Trump’s emergency declarations. The House GOP’s procedural maneuver aimed to avoid a vote on Trump’s tariff emergency, which relies on the National Emergencies Act. Critics called it “absolutely insane,” with Rep. Don Bacon condemning the move as a “net negative” for the economy and a constitutional overreach.

Johnson’s rule, which declared certain days “not calendar days” for the National Emergencies Act, sought to prevent Congress from voting on tariffs until July. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) exposed the tactic, calling it “smoke & mirrors” to bypass legislative oversight. Former GOP Rep. Justin Amash echoed the sentiment, demanding accountability.

Three Republicans, including Bacon and Kevin Kiley (R-CA), voted against the rule, arguing it undermined congressional authority. Kiley stressed that the House must retain control over taxes and tariffs, not the executive branch. The clash highlights tensions between GOP leadership and members over executive power.

This conflict risks setting a precedent for bypassing legislative checks, raising concerns about executive overreach. As tariffs loom, the debate underscores the struggle to balance presidential authority with congressional responsibility.