Congress Must Act and Repeal Tariffs That Are Harming US Businesses

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to re-assert control over tariffs and policy in Congress. Now more than three months into the up and down tariffs wars, we’re seeing the damage to our economy and U.S. businesses that this foolish and arbitrary set of tariffs has wrought. The tariffs imposed by President Trump have had devastating consequences for American businesses and workers, and here are some examples: Farmers are struggling with plummeting crop prices due to retaliatory tariffs, on crops that the US exports like soybeans. Manufacturers are grappling with skyrocketing costs for components sourced from China, and the trade war has disrupted supply chains and eroded confidence across industries. Small businesses in particular have been disproportionately impacted, lacking the resources to easily shift production or absorb sudden cost increases. Many are being forced to lay off workers or close their doors entirely. Ports have seen a decline in imports, leaving truck drivers and logistics workers with dwindling incomes. Rather than reviving domestic manufacturing as intended, the tariffs have caused chaos and uncertainty, making it extremely difficult for businesses to plan and invest. And in recent reporting, confidence in the US dollar continues to erode with the ad hoc, and scattershot tariff wars continue. As we know, affordable access to global supply chains is critical for American innovation and competitiveness. Punitive tariffs are ultimately self-defeating, raising costs for consumers and companies while failing to address the root issues around unfair trade practices. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address legitimate trade concerns through negotiation and reform of international rules and enforcement mechanisms. Indiscriminate tariff wars, however, have proven to be an extremely blunt and destructive instrument harming American economic interests. I urge that Congress take control of these policies, as it is allowed to do, and completely reconsider these reckless policies. Such action is warranted to provide relief to impacted industries and workers before further, irreparable damage is done. Act now. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.