Trump Administration's Retaliatory Tariffs

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, this institution has a choice: Either to be an independent deliberative body or to be a rubberstamp for foolish policies.

What man desires to punish our neighbors, to insult and intimidate our closest ally Canada, when they have done nothing to warrant this action?

Levying a tariff is an economic tool to be used carefully and strategically to deal with bad actors on the international scene who willfully undercut American fair trade. This 25 percent tariff that is proposed on Canada is counterproductive and mean-spirited. Its application to Mexico is equally devastating to us.

It will raise prices for everyday Americans. When they go to the stores, the prices of over 1,200 goods will rise, with no rise in their paycheck. It will impact goods sold by American companies in Canada and Mexico as they impose retaliatory tariffs to defend themselves.

American families, not foreign leaders, will bear the burden. The President himself acknowledged Americans would face some pain. Wall Street and Main Street alike know that the prices of agricultural products, cars, steel, and gas will rise. All of this is a self- inflicted wound, and it is all unnecessary. This institution needs to listen to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan spoke eloquently and warned American politicians not to do this.

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