Opposing the Chaotic and Harmful Trade Policies of President Trump

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned by President Trump's chaotic, contradictory, and harmful trade policy that affect American families and my state of Illinois. His emergency powers to impose tariffs have disrupted business and commerce to operate successfully during a time of inconsistent policy initiatives with major trading partners like Canada, China, and Mexico.

What is more alarming is that this trade policy also undermines the Republican Party's historic commitment to free markets and open trade. It is not based on a clear, comprehensive, well-balanced and measured policy vision, but rather on arbitrary decisions that seem to reflect the preferences of a single individual--or a small group--more than the American people. We've now reached a point where this `` America First'' trade policy is now delivering real economic damage across the country.

I want to emphasize that this is not an isolated concern. My constituents, as well as economists, academicians, and policy experts across the country have echoed the same worries. The Administration's recent approach to tariffs has created serious uncertainty for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers. This is not just a matter of opinion, it is supported by data and economic analysis.

Economic experts estimate that the 2025 tariffs will raise overall prices by 2.3 percent, costing the average household $3,800 annually, with even greater burdens on working-class families. Clothing prices are expected to jump by 33 percent, and food prices by 4.5 percent. These are not abstract numbers, they represent real consequences for real people: higher grocery bills and more expensive everyday essentials.

For instance, Canada, Illinois's top export market for oil, vehicles parts, and agricultural products, has already signaled retaliation, threatening our supply chains and manufacturing sectors. A similar pattern occurs with China, where Illinois sends substantial volumes of agricultural products and electronics. Mexico is another major trading partner in auto parts, machinery, and food products. Disrupting the supply chains through tariffs or threats to pull out of trade deals like the USMCA could destabilize job-creating industries within Illinois.

Moreover, this trade strategy is not only economically damaging, but also unconstitutional. Congress, not the President, holds the exclusive authority to regulate foreign commerce. The Administration's abuse of emergency powers to give himself authority to regulate foreign trade and impose tariffs on the entire world bypasses the legislative process, undermines transparency, and strips away the opportunity for public accountability.

This is why, I urge my colleagues, especially Republican Members of Congress, to approach this trade policy in a joint and measured manner for our constituents. When Congress gives away its capacity to question and dialogue with the other branch, we weaken our position and risk deals that don't reflect all American values or economic priorities.

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