¶ Overview
- Flood was a staunch advocate for tariffs and opposed a call to reign in the president’s ability to unilaterally impose them. Then he voted six times to protect Trump’s tariffs including in April 2025, when Flood was the deciding vote to protect Trump’s tariffs. Tariffs were devastating for Nebraska farmers and manufacturers, and amounted to a $1,000 tax increase on Americans.
¶ Flood Was A Staunch Advocate Of Trump’s Tariffs, Despite The Harm They Caused To Nebraska Farmers And Manufacturers
¶ Flood Was A Staunch Advocate For Trump’s Tariffs
Flood On Tariffs: “We Know That It's Going To Take Some Time For This To Work, But We Will Come Out Of This Stronger.” According to an interview with Rep. Mike Flood on Fox Business, “FLOOD: Tariffs can be an effective tool for securing victories for America. Both the USMCA and the China trade deal in [President Trump's] first term were both achieved through the strategic use of tariffs. At the end of the day, President Trump ran on this [and] told people what he wanted to do. Americans supported it. And we know that it's going to take some time for this to work, but we will come out of this stronger. And I think it's important to note that Joe Biden did nothing [with trade] in four years. How long has the UK been out from Brexit? Five years after Brexit, America still has no free trade deal with the UK... We just need somebody paying attention, and you can't say President Trump isn't paying attention.” [Mornings with Maria, 4/3/25] (video)
Flood: “President Trump Is Going To Level The Playing Field. We Have To Trust That There's Going To Be An Adjustment Period, But We Will Get There Successfully--Just Like He Did With China In His First Term--So I'm Confident We're Going To Be Okay.” According to an interview with Rep. Mike Flood on Fox Business, “FLOOD: We learned during COVID that we have to be a nation that makes things. We have to be a nation that has our own supply chains. We learned how dependent we were on China, and they'd been taking advantage of us for decades. President Trump is going to level the playing field. We have to trust that there's going to be an adjustment period, but we will get there successfully--just like he did with China in his first term--so I'm confident we're going to be okay.” [Mornings with Maria, 4/3/25] (video)
Lincoln Star Journal: Flood “Praised Trump's ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ The President's Steps To Secure The U.S.-Mexico Border And Trump's Tariffs That Have Disrupted Trade And Frustrated Nebraska's Farmers.” According to Lincoln Journal Star, “GOP members of Nebraska's congressional delegation defended President Donald Trump's policies and his signature bill Tuesday morning at an annual gathering of business, agricultural and government leaders. Amid a panel-style interview at the annual summit, Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, along with Rep. Mike Flood of the state's 1st Congressional District, each praised Trump's ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ the president's steps to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and Trump's tariffs that have disrupted trade and frustrated Nebraska's farmers.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 8/6/25]
Flood Said Tariffs “Can Be An Effective Tool For Securing Economic Victories For America.” According to Lincoln Journal Star, “Rep. Mike Flood, during a virtual news conference from Washington, D.C., on Sunday, said tariffs ‘can be an effective tool for securing economic victories for America,’ pointing to trade deals secured during Trump’s first term in office as proof. Flood said slapping additional duties on imports, or threatening to do so, opens up room for the Trump administration to negotiate new deals with those countries, but he said he would also urge the president to protect producers in the agricultural sector.” [Lincoln Journal Star, 2/4/25]
¶ Flood opposed REINING in Trump’s Tariff powers
HEADLINE: "Flood Not On Board With Bacon Legislation To Return Tariffs To Congressional Jurisdiction" [News Talk WJAG, 4/14/25]
Flood Opposed Rep. Don Bacon’s Legislation To Give Back Tariff Authority To Congress. According to News Talk WJAG, “Last week, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) unveiled legislation to give back authority on tariffs to Congress from the White House. Bacon’s congressional colleague, Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) told News Talk WJAG, he’s not on board. ‘While I understand the sentiment and certainly the Article I powers of Congress, right now I’m engaged with the White House to advocate on behalf of the businesses that are being affected by tariffs to find resolution where we can,’ Flood said. ‘And quite frankly, I’m very pleased that the President made the decision earlier in the week put on a 90-day pause except for China because at the end of the day, China is our true adversary and that’s the one we should be targeting all along.’” [News Talk WJAG, 4/14/25]
Flood: “The Right To Place Tariffs On Countries Is Solely The Right Of A President.” According to Lincoln Journal Star, “Following the president's joint address to Congress on Tuesday the day Trump's tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China took effect before he eased them Thursday. Flood told reporters ‘the right to place tariffs on countries is solely the right of a president.’ ‘And so I have to trust the president. Trump has a strategy. He's a negotiator. He's a longtime business person,’ Flood said, acknowledging a trade war may bring ‘an adjustment period’ and pledging to support federal bailouts for farmers if necessary. ‘Sometimes it's a difficult process, and I know it can be stressful, but at the end of the day, I trust President Trump to do what is right and to take care of American workers and to allow them to put some extra money in their pocket,’ he said, ‘which I think is only fair.’” [Lincoln Journal Star, 3/8/25]
¶ Flood repeatedly voted to protect trump’s tariffs
February 2026: Flood Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2026: Flood Effectively Voted Against Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, Flood 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: Flood Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, Flood 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.” [Hill, 2/10/26]
¶ September 2025: Flood Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Flood Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Flood 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]
¶ April 2025: Flood Was The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Flood Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Flood 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. 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: Flood Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Flood Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Flood 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: Flood Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Flood Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs. In March 2025, Flood 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 brokers 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]
¶ tariffs caused problems for nebraska farmers and businesses
HEADLINE: “Tariffs Harming Farms, Businesses And Budgets.” [Nebraska Examiner, 4/19/25]
HEADLINE: "From Chocolate To Farm Equipment, Trump’s Tariffs Are 'Pain Points' For Nebraska Manufacturers" [KCUR, 2/24/26]
HEADLINE: "Tariff Trouble? Nebraska Companies, Farmers Trapped In Middle Of Brewing Trade War" [Flatwater Free Press, 3/5/25]
HEADLINE: "Nebraska Farmers Brace For Harvest As Tariffs And Low Prices Hit Hard" [Local 4, 9/15/25]
HEADLINE: "Industry Leaders Wary As Trump Tariffs Package Puts Pinch On Nebraska Farmers" [KETV, 8/8/25]
Lincoln Journal Star: “Nebraska Farmers And Ranchers Across The State Derive Approximately 30% Of Their Annual Income From Global Trade Particularly In $3.5 Billion In Export Deals With Canada, Mexico And China.” According to Lincoln Journal Star, “Nebraska farmers and ranchers across the state derive approximately 30% of their annual income from global trade particularly in $3.5 billion in export deals with Canada, Mexico and China. Together, those three countries in 2024 purchased 95% of Nebraska's corn exports, 90% of soybean exports, 57% of soybean meal exports, 32% of pork exports and 23% of beef exports, the Farm Bureau reported. Mexico remains a top customer for Nebraska soybeans ($317 million last year), corn ($284 million) and soybean meal ($179 million), while Canada purchased $319 million in Nebraska agricultural products in 2023” [Lincoln Journal Star, 2/4/25]
Giltner Manufacturer That Made Equipment For Corn, Hemp, And Sorghum Farms Said They Were Hit Hard By Tariffs And 2026 Prices For Some Product Components Rose 75-80 Percent. According to KCUR, "That’s the case for Bish Enterprises in Giltner, which makes specialized equipment for corn, hemp and sorghum farms around the country. Its machines weigh tons and require a variety of components to make. Andrew Bish, chief operating officer of his family business, said the first year of the Trump administration’s tariffs hit hard. ‘It’s been challenging for us on costs and then trying to figure out how we absorb some of that and what we have to pass on,’ Bish said. Based in Giltner, Bish Enterprises buys U.S. steel, but relies on electronic and hydraulic components from Germany, China and other countries. Under Trump, every trading partner is subject to tariffs, with rates that vary depending on the country and the product. Bish said 2026 prices for some components of his company’s products are up 75% to 80% over this time last year, so the company is evaluating how to keep costs down. ‘One of the ways that we’re actually trying to do that is through some of our engineering,’ he said. ‘This is not a question I would have even evaluated three years ago, but are we using too much steel in this product? Is there somewhere where we can take out weight? Not because we need a weight savings, but we need cost savings.’" [KCUR, 2/24/26]
Nebraska’s Manufacturing Exports Declined 12.6 Percent In The First Nine Months Of 2025 Compared To The Same Period In 2024. According to KCUR, "Nebraskans make things: Basketball hoops, farm equipment, artificial limbs and bullets are among the thousands of products that comprise the state’s manufacturing sector. Right now, manufacturers are in pain. ‘The tariffs are hurting,’ said Ernie Goss, the Creighton University economist behind the monthly Mid-American Economy Report, which covers Nebraska and eight other states. ‘Why are they hurting? It’s because the trading partners have retaliated.’ For example, Goss said, China stopped buying goods coming from the U.S., ‘and that was telegraphed right back to the Nebraska economy.’ Manufacturing accounts for about 12% of the state’s total economic output and about 10% of Nebraska jobs. According to Goss, Nebraska’s manufacturing exports declined 12.6% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. He said it’s costing companies more to import the materials, ingredients and components they need to make their products." [KCUR, 2/24/26]
Lincoln Chocolate Business Said They Faced Increased Costs Because Of Tariffs. According to KCUR, "The Chocolate Season in Lincoln occupies a much smaller corner of Nebraska’s manufacturing section. The family-owned business makes chocolate delicacies by hand: Picture bon bons, truffles and Midwestern fudge with a European flair. The Chocolate Season imports ingredients from a vendor in France, which is part of the European Union. The Trump tariff rate on imports from the EU is 15%. ‘Tariffs have definitely increased our costs,’ said owner Erika Jensen. But, she said, with a limit to how much local customers are willing to pay for chocolate, passing costs along to customers is not an option. Erika Jensen is the owner of The Chocolate Season in Lincoln. ‘With chocolate, there is a very well-known glass ceiling. Even though we ship nationwide, we still have a lot of walk-in traffic. Lincoln, Nebraska, doesn’t understand the cost of something so small.’" [KCUR, 2/24/26]
HEADLINE: "Inflation And Tariff Pressures Reach From Farm To City" [Omaha Magazine, 1/15/26]