New Democrat Coalition Members Urge Trump to Remove Unilateral Tariff Threat on Autos and Auto Parts

Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Trade Task Force sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to abandon any further action that threatens the American automotive sector, auto workers, and our economy.

“Imposing tariffs under Section 232 on autos and auto parts for reasons not related to national security concerns clearly oversteps the authority granted by Congress,” the letter reads. “Mr. President, we strongly urge you to act in accordance with your March 22 public statement and abandon any further action that threatens the American automotive sector, auto workers, and our economy.”

Specifically, NDC Members point out that imported autos and auto parts are not a national security threat. President Trump also agreed with that position on March 22 in an interview with Fox Business News. Therefore, NDC urges President Trump to remove any threat of unilateral tariffs on automobiles and auto parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act as soon as possible.

This letter was signed by NDC Trade Task Force Members:

• Rep. Terri Sewell
• Rep. Ron Kind
• Rep. Rick Larsen
• Rep. Greg Meeks
• Rep. Lizzie Fletcher
• Rep. Suzan DelBene
• Rep. Susan Davis
• Rep. Donald Beyer
• Rep. Stephanie Murphy

The signed letter can be found here and below.

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March 27, 2019

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Trump,

As members of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, we remain deeply concerned about the findings of the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation into imported automobiles and auto parts. While the findings of the report have not been shared with Congress or the public, we are confident that imported automobiles and automotive parts do not impair our national security. Any attempt to impose tariffs on these products will directly harm our hard-working American workers and companies, and the economy as a whole.

On March 22, when asked in an interview with Fox Business News’ Maria Bartiromo, if the imports of autos and auto parts pose a national security threat, you responded “Well, no.” We are pleased to hear that we are in agreement that no national security threat exists. Therefore, we urge you to remove any threat of unilateral tariffs on automobiles and auto parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act as soon as possible. 

Imposing tariffs under Section 232 on autos and auto parts for reasons not related to national security concerns clearly oversteps the authority granted by Congress. Mr. President, we strongly urge you to act in accordance with your March 22 public statement and abandon any further action that threatens the American automotive sector, auto workers, and our economy.

We look forward to your pending announcement confirming your public statement.

Sincerely,