1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the economic impact of recent tariff policies on American consumers. Goldman Sachs economists project that by October, U.S. consumers will bear 67% of the costs from new import tariffs imposed by President Trump, a stark increase from 22% in June. This shift is expected to drive inflation well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target through the holiday season, with core PCE inflation potentially reaching 3.2% in December and headline inflation rising to around 3.5% by year-end. The consequences of these tariffs are already becoming apparent. Major retailers like Walmart and brands such as Adidas are planning price hikes, which will lead to higher costs for U.S. shoppers on imported goods during the crucial holiday season. The 10% tariff on all foreign imports, combined with product-specific duties, is fueling these alarming inflation projections. As your constituent, I urge you to take immediate action to reclaim Congress's constitutional authority over tariffs. The current situation, where the executive branch can unilaterally impose such far-reaching economic measures, is causing significant harm to American consumers and our economy. We need a more balanced approach that considers the full economic impact of trade policies. Please introduce or support legislation that would require congressional approval for tariffs, especially those justified under national security grounds. This would ensure a more thorough debate on the merits and potential consequences of such actions. Additionally, I ask that you push for a comprehensive review of the current tariff policies and their impact on consumer prices and inflation. Time is of the essence. With the holiday shopping season approaching, many families in our district will feel the pinch of these higher prices. By acting now, we can potentially mitigate some of the projected inflation and protect consumers from bearing the brunt of these trade disputes. Your leadership on this issue is crucial for the economic well-being of our community and the nation as a whole.