March 22, 2018

New Democrat Coalition Members’ Statement on President Trump’s Tariffs Against China

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Jim Himes (CT-04) and New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Gregory W. Meeks (NY-02) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement of $60 billion in tariffs against China:

“For the United States to lead on trade, we should not put our own industries and American jobs at risk for a half-baked, poorly thought through retaliatory action against the second largest economy in the world. If China retaliates against these measures, Main Street small business owners could face the brunt of the impacts in addition to American consumers who will face increased taxes imposed by President Trump.

“There are certainly serious concerns with China’s growing use of trade and investment policies and their impact on American consumers, workers, farmers, and businesses. However, imposing unilateral tariffs prior to any meaningful negotiations with China could jeopardize our nation’s security and lead to retaliation from other countries against American made goods and services. This could drive a wedge between the U.S. and key allies our nation relies on as trading partners to support our cause.

“Instead of imposing higher tariffs on a broad range of consumer goods, the Trump Administration should focus on efforts to enhance productivity in all sectors. The Trump Administration should work with Congress to make it easier for America to export our goods, services, and ideas to support and create the good paying jobs that are staples of middle-class lives and critical to our economy.”


Earlier this month, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Rick Larsen and Gregory W. Meeks and NDC Chair Emeritus Ron Kind, called on the Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees to immediately hold a series of hearings on the potential impacts of President Trump’s recently announced steel and aluminum tariffs. In addition to their roles as trade leaders within the New Democrat Coalition, Reps. Rick Larsen, Gregory W. Meeks, and Ron Kind are senior NDC Members on the Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs, and Ways & Means Committees, respectively.

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