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David Dayen @ddayen.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Statement by House Democratic leadership on the enormous unilateral tariff authority Congress just gave the president. House passed this 262-159 with 58 Democrats supporting, clearly no leadership whipping going on. The Senate version passed 86-11 and Schumer voted yes!

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued the following statement:

We unequivocally support the Ukrainian people in their courageous fight for freedom against Russian aggression. Ukraine is on the side of democracy, freedom and truth. Russia is on the side of autocracy, tyranny and oppression. To that end, beginning in 2022, House Democrats have acted repeatedly to ensure that the Ukrainian people have what they need to defend themselves. In April of 2024, we provided a historic $61 billion in funding. Several months ago, Democrats took control of the Floor of the House of Representatives and successfully forced a vote on the Ukraine Support Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation that imposes tough sanctions on Russia.

Unfortunately, the bill we voted on today, H.R. 5334, gives extraordinary power to Donald Trump. It allows him to waive the sanctions contained in the bill, while giving him new, expansive tariff authority to continue his failed global trade war that is causing costs to skyrocket for working families across America. Sadly, the White House is willing to risk Ukrainian lives and American livelihoods instead of working to actually hold this rogue Russian regime accountable for its illegal war.

President Trump has shown no willingness to be strong on Russia, and he cannot be entrusted with new powers to impose tariffs that will further raise costs for American families. For that reason, we voted No on this legislation.

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Joel Berger @teknomantik.old-home.net · 17/09/2026

↪ Replying to @ddayen.bsky.social

The statement gives a "this was attached to a must-pass bill" vibe. What was the bill?

5:19 AM · Sep 17, 2026 · 0 views

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