1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to introduce and support legislation repealing Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Recent tariffs imposed under this provision against Canada, and Canada's retaliatory response, demonstrate why this 1930 statute poses an unacceptable threat to American economic stability. Section 338 gives the President sweeping, largely unilateral authority to impose tariffs as retaliation for alleged trade discrimination. Unlike modern trade tools, it operates with minimal procedural constraints and invites the exact cycle of tit-for-tat escalation we are now witnessing. These tariffs have triggered Canadian retaliation, creating mutual economic harm that extends far beyond diplomatic negotiation. The costs to American families and businesses are already mounting. U.S. importers pay tariffs first, then pass the cost to consumers and companies. Canadian retaliation adds another price layer, affecting both U.S. exporters selling to Canada and American manufacturers dependent on Canadian inputs. This double squeeze will drive up prices for groceries, vehicles, energy, and countless other goods. The damage to American producers is equally serious. Canadian buyers are shifting away from U.S. goods wherever alternatives exist. Agriculture, food and beverages, machinery, vehicles and parts, forest products, and energy-related industries face significant export losses and reduced production. These are core sectors of American manufacturing and employment. Section 338 is a blunt instrument from 1930 that Congress has since replaced with more specific, accountable mechanisms for addressing trade disputes. There is no justification for maintaining such an unrestrained tool in modern trade policy. I urge you to introduce or co-sponsor legislation that repeals 19 U.S.C. Section 338. If full repeal faces political obstacles, I ask that you pursue narrowing the statute's scope with meaningful procedural constraints, including evidentiary requirements, congressional consultation, and mandatory impact assessments before duties are imposed. We cannot allow trade disputes to escalate unchecked, harming workers, farmers, manufacturers, and families. I would appreciate your prompt response regarding your position on Section 338 and any legislative action your office plans to take.