¶ Overview
- Van Drew said Trump was “doing the right thing” after he imposed tariffs on nearly every country on Earth and told Americans suffering from the tariffs to “hang tough.” Then, he voted six times to protect the tariffs, including in April 2025 when he was the deciding vote to protect them, dooming New Jersey families who relied on him to a trade war and causing New Jerseyans to pull back on spending due to high prices. Tariffs are contributing to higher food prices, could raise car insurance rates, and “mega-layoffs” across the nation.
¶ Van Drew Defended Trump’s Tariffs That Were Hurting New Jersey Businesses
¶ Van Drew repeatedly voted to protect trump’s tariffs
¶ February 2026: Van Drew Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2026: Van Drew Effectively Voted Against Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, Van Drew voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the joint resolution that would terminate the Feb. 1, 2025, national emergency that imposed tariffs on goods from Canada.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the joint resolution by a vote of 219 to 211. [House Vote 65, 2/11/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/11/26; Congressional Actions. H.J. Res. 72]
2026: Van Drew Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, Van Drew voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the rule (H Res 1042) providing for floor consideration of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189), the Undersea Cable Protection Act (HR 261), and the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (HR 3617). […] It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump's 2025 tariff actions under the Feb. 1, April 2, July 30, and Aug. 6 executive orders by providing that each day during the period from Feb. 10, 2026 through July 31, 2026, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The House rejected the rule by a vote of 214 to 217. [House Vote 60, 2/10/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/10/26; Congressional Actions. H.Res. 1042]
- The Provision Was Added To A Rule Opening Debate On Three Unrelated Bills. According to Reuters, “Lawmakers voted 217-214 to derail the plan to bar tariff challenges through July 31, with three Republicans joining 214 Democrats in opposition. The prohibition was included in a measure intended to open debate on three unrelated bills.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The House Adopted A Rule In March Of Last Year Barring Tariff Challenges That Expired In January Resulting In Speaker Johnson Calling Another Extension, Through This Rule, “Necessary.” According to Reuters, “Earlier in the day, Johnson told reporters that he expected the measure to pass the House, calling it necessary in view of an expected Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the tariffs. House Republicans first adopted a rule barring tariff challenges last March and later extended it through January.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The Rule That Barred Tariffs Challenges Did Not Consider Days As “Calendar Days”, Blocking Democrats From Repealing Trump’s Declared National Emergency That Allowed For His Broad Tariffs. According to the Hill. “Trump declared national emergencies as a basis for implementing his broad-based global tariffs, as well as specific tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada. The National Emergencies Act dictates that Congress can use joint resolutions to repeal a national emergency, and outlines procedures to expedite that action after a certain number of calendar days. Multiple times last year, GOP leaders inserted language into procedural rule legislation to not count a ‘calendar day’ for the purposes of the National Emergencies Act until a specific date, blocking members from forcing action to repeal the tariffs. That prohibition expired at the end of January as GOP leaders faced resistance from Republicans. The latest attempt would have reinstated that prohibition until July 31, 2026.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- Johnson Delayed The Vote From 1:30 PM To 8:30 PM In An Attempt To Flip Votes. According to the Hill, “Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unable to win over the holdouts, despite delaying the vote from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.” [The Hill, 2/10/26]
¶ September 2025: Van Drew Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Van Drew Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Van Drew voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the resolution [that] would allow for the tolling (the pausing of counting) of days for resolutions of inquiry from Sept. 30, 2025 through March 31, 2026. It also would provide that each day during the period from April 9, 2025, through March 31, 2026. would not constitute a calendar day for the purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution to terminate President Donald Trump's April 2, 2025 executive order declaring a national emergency regarding tariffs on imported goods. The resolution also would provide that during the period for March 11, 2025 through March 31, 2026, would not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency executive order declared by President Trump on Feb. 1, 2025. Such an executive order concerned tariffs on many Canadian and Mexican imports and Chinese goods. The resolution also would provide that the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act would not apply through March 31, 2026 to a joint resolution terminating the national emergency.” The vote was on the rule. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 213 to 211. [House Vote 268, 9/16/25; Congressional Quarterly, 9/16/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 707; Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Support Was Won From GOP Holdouts Through A Promise Of A Vote Later In The Week To Shorten The Block To End In January Rather Than March. According to Politico, “GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then.” [Politico, 9/16/25]
- September 2025: House Republicans Voted In Favor Of A Measure That Effectively Blocked Challenge To Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026, With The Intent Of Changing The Length Of Time To January 2026. According to Politico, "House Republicans voted in near lockstep Tuesday to again cede congressional power over tariffs to President Donald Trump. A measure that effectively blocks challenges to Trump’s sweeping global tariff declarations through March 2026 was adopted on a 213-211 vote. The vote was gaveled down only after GOP whips had a drawn-out struggle on the floor with a band of Republicans who initially opposed the legislation before flipping to yes. The vote was held open for more than a half-hour as they worked to bring the members back on board. GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then." [Politico, 9/16/25]
¶ April 2025: Van Drew Cast The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Van Drew Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Van Drew voted for, “adoption of the rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 budget resolution. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 216 to 215. [House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Speaker Johnson Backed The Move, Claiming Trump Has “Executive Authority” And That The Tariffs Are “In The Interest Of The American People.” According to ABC News, “House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the move, telling reporters, ‘I've made it very clear I think the president has executive authority. It's an appropriate level of authority to deal with the unfair trade practices. That's part of the role of the president is to negotiate with other countries.’ Johnson said Trump told him Tuesday night that ‘there are almost 70 countries that are [in] some stage in negotiation of more fair-trade agreement agreements with the United States. I think that is in the interest of the American people. I think that is an ‘America First’ policy that will be effective, and so we have to give them the space to do it.’” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
- The Vote Was The Second Use Of The Procedural Tactic To Block Votes On The Tariffs, The First Use Of It Being In March 2025. According to ABC News, “House Democrats, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., moved to force a vote on Tuesday on terminating the national emergency authority and blocking Trump's sweeping tariffs. Now, that vote is unlikely to occur. This is the second time Johnson has moved to stop the legislative calendar to prevent votes on Trump's authority on tariffs. Under House rules, these votes would typically come up within 15 calendar days but now will not if the ‘rule’ passes during the vote series Wednesday afternoon.” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
¶ If One “Aye” Vote Had Switched To A “No” On House Vote 94 The Measure Would Have Failed Instead Of Passing
The Measure Considered In House Vote 94 Passed By A Vote Of 216 “Ayes” To 215 “Nos,” Which Meant If One Aye Vote Had Switched To A No Vote The Measure Would Have Failed.
[House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
¶ April 2025: Van Drew Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Van Drew Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Van Drew voted for, “motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the previous question. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 217 to 212. [House Vote 93, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313]
¶ March 2025: Van Drew Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Van Drew Voted To Disapprove An IRS Rule That Established Reporting Requirements For Digital Asset Proceeds And To Effectively Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs. In March 2025, Van Drew voted for, “the bill that would provide for Congressional disapproval of, and nullify, a December 2024 IRS rule related to gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. The rule imposed reporting requirements, beginning in 2027, on non-custodial barkers who participate in the decentralized digital asset market. It also required brokers to file information returns and provide payee statements reporting gross proceeds from certain digital asset sales and transactions.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 292 to 132. [House Vote 71, 3/11/25; Congressional Quarterly, 3/11/25; Congressional Actions, H.J. Res. 25]
- The Bill Effectively Blocked The House From Voting To Reverse Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China For The Next Year. According to the New York Times, “Republican leaders on Tuesday slipped language into a procedural measure that would prevent any resolution to end the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China from receiving a vote this year. It passed on party lines as part of a resolution that cleared the way for a vote later Tuesday on a government spending bill needed to prevent a shutdown at the end of the week.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The Bill Nullified A Law That Would Allow The House And Senate To End A Disaster Declared By The President. According to the New York Times, “In this case, Republican leaders did so using a particularly unusual contortion: They essentially declared the rest of the year one long day, nullifying a law that allows the House and Senate to jointly put an end to a disaster declared by the president.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The National Emergencies Act Required Consideration Of Resolutions Ending A Presidentially Declared Emergency Within Fifteen Calendar Days But Republican Leadership Included A Measure In The Bill Declaring The Rest Of The Year Did Not Constitute A Calendar Day. According to the New York Times, “The national emergency law lays out a fast-track process for Congress to consider a resolution ending a presidential emergency, requiring committee consideration within 15 calendar days after one is introduced and a floor vote within three days after that. But the language House Republicans inserted in their measure on Tuesday declared that, ‘Each day for the remainder of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day’ for the purposes of the emergency that Mr. Trump declared on Feb. 1.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
¶ Van Drew Told Americans Suffering From Trump’s Tariffs To “Hang Tough”
April 2025: Van Drew Said Trump Was “Doing The Right Thing” After He Imposed Tariffs On Nearly Every Country On Earth, And Told Suffering Americans To “Hang Tough.” According to NJ Spotlight News, “Then last week, Trump announced a sweeping set of tariffs on nearly every country on Earth, including some uninhabited islands, ranging from 10% to 50%. That blanket approach wiped out trillions of dollars’ worth of investment in stock markets last week, losses that continued through Tuesday. ‘He is doing the right thing,’ Van Drew said on Fox News on Tuesday morning, arguing Trump’s approach would help make the U.S. less dependent on foreign nations for manufacturing. ‘America’s got to come back. It might be slightly painful in the beginning, but it’s going to be better in the end.’ ‘I know you’re worried, it’s only been a week,’ Van Drew told viewers. ‘Hang tough just for a little bit of time.’” [NJ Spotlight News, 4/9/25]
- VIDEO: Van Drew Defended Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs, Claiming Trump Was “Someone Who Knew How To Negotiate.” In an interview with Fox Business, Rep. Jeff Van Drew said, “VAN DREW: And you know what, this is somebody who knows how to negotiate, President Trump does. And I think you are going to see significant movement in that 90-day envelope of opportunity, in that period. It may not be every single country, we’re going to find out, but you know, this is a little bit of playing chicken. He’s going to look them straight in the eye. This is the deal: you wanna participate, you wanna make it good for you and us, or do you wanna just sit back and have it happen to you? I don’t think they want to do that, I think they’re gonna come to the table. They are coming to the table, it’s remarkable how many countries already have come to the table.” [Fox Business, 4/17/25] (video)
¶ During The First Trump Administration, Van Drew Also Defended Tariffs While Admitting They Were “A Little Bit Of A Crap Shoot”
Van Drew Told Trump To Keep Up The Pressure With His Tariffs, But Also Admitted That Trump’s Trade War Was “A Little Bit Of A Crap Shoot.” According to WHYY, “‘It’s a little bit of a crap shoot,’ said freshman South Jersey U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew. ‘There’s no question that I believe the president makes a good point that we’ve been treated unfairly, at times, by some other nations,’ he said. Still, Van Drew said, the president should be more methodical and not engage in a trade war via Twitter. ‘I would be a little less heavy handed, but keep up the pressure. Keep up some of the actions and some of the tariffs he’s put in place. I don’t know that I would go this extra mile,’ Van Drew said. ‘But I’m going to be real fair — he might prove me wrong. Or he might prove me very right that we should have stayed where we were because everything was going relatively well.’” [WHYY, 5/10/19]
¶ Trump’s Tariffs Were Causing “Mega-Layoffs” Across The Country And Potentially Costing The New Jersey Economy Billions
October 2025: Employers Cut 153,000 Jobs In A Series Of “Mega-Layoffs.” According to The Washington Post, “U.S. employers have announced 1.1 million layoffs so far this year — the largest reading since the pandemic recession and on par with 2008 and 2009 job cuts during the Great Recession, the firm’s figures show. The data includes a recent spate of layoffs at major companies such as UPS, Amazon and Target, and adds to growing concern about a labor market slowdown. Employers cited cost-cutting and artificial intelligence as the top two reasons for job reductions in October. ‘We’re entering new territory with these layoffs in October,’ said John Challenger, CEO of the consulting firm that tracks job losses. ‘We haven’t seen mega-layoffs of the size that are being discussed now — 48,000 from UPS, potentially 30,000 from Amazon — since 2020 and before that, since the recession of 2009. When you see companies making cuts of this size, it does signal a real shift in direction.’” [Washington Post, 11/6/25]
- Trump’s Tariffs Were One Of The Reasons For The Increase In Layoffs. According to The Washington Post, “The spike in October layoffs, up 175 percent from a year ago, runs counter to recent trends, Challenger said. Although companies have typically avoided announcing job cuts at the end of the year, that seems to be changing this year as firms face new financial pressures and uncertainty from tariffs, federal funding cuts and emerging technologies.” [Washington Post, 11/6/25]
OPINION: “From Toys To Groceries, Trump’s Tariffs Are Squeezing N.J. Families. Here’s What I’m Doing About It.” [Annette Quijano Opinion – NJ.com, 12/14/25]
New Jersey Citizens Were Concerned About Trump’s Tariffs And Were Pulling Back On Spending Because Of Them. According to Insider NJ, “New Jersey voters across party lines are feeling the effects of inflation and are deeply concerned about how tariffs will further raise prices and hurt the economy. The data show strong majorities expect higher prices, slower job growth, and a more difficult environment for small businesses. As a result, New Jersey voters, including an overwhelming margin of independents, are weighing a candidates’ position on tariffs when voting. Key findings include: 89% of New Jersey voters are somewhat or very concerned about inflation, including 91% of Independents. Among the most impacted categories of household spending, 84% say the cost of groceries is going up; 82% say the cost of housing is going up. […] As a result, New Jerseyans are pulling back on spending: 80% of voters say they are trying to spend less money. 64% say they are avoiding large purchases because of the impact from the tariffs announced earlier this year.” [Insider NJ, 10/24/25]
New Jersey’s “Little India” Community Was Facing Severe Hardship Due To Trump’s Tariffs On India. According to ABC 7, “A New Jersey community is feeling the impact especially hard from President Trump's trade war. 'Little India' in Middlesex County also known as Oak Tree Road, is a vibrant shopping, business and dining district that runs through parts of Edison and Woodbridge. But since the U.S. doubled the tariff on Indian imports to 50 percent last month, many of those businesses wonder if they can even survive. A hearty staple for millions of families is rice. ‘Like basmati rice, one brand for a 10-pound bag the previous price was 17.99 now it's 21.99,’ Raj Patel Co-owner of the Patel Brothers Grocery Stores, said.” [ABC 7, 9/18/25]
New Jersey’s Port Economy Faced “Billions Of Dollars In Impact” Due To Trump’s Tariffs On Canada, Mexico And China. According to News 12 The Bronx, “But economists warn this could hurt consumers. Rutgers Economics Professor Tom Prusa says it will take some time to understand the full impacts, but given New Jersey’s significant port economy, tariffs come at a price. He says there’s already been increased port activity in the weeks ahead of these expected tariffs. ‘New Jersey imports almost $9 billion of goods from Canada, and we import almost $3 billion from Mexico. We export similar amounts. A 25% tariff - at least what we saw in the previous round, which mostly fell on China - we’re talking billions of dollars in impact on the New Jersey economy,’ Prusa said.” [News 12 The Bronx, 1/31/25]