Sánchez: Trump’s pharmaceutical tariffs will raise prices, hurt patients

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announced tariffs on pharmaceuticals and other products to take effect on October 1:

“Prescription drug prices are already unaffordable for many Americans, and President Trump’s new tariffs will only drive costs higher. To make matters worse, he is also threatening additional tariffs on critical medical supplies, including everything from surgical masks to respirators and wheelchairs to hospital beds.

“Seniors and families cannot afford to see their medical bills go up any more under this president. And they can’t delay taking their medicine while they wait years for manufacturing to be moved to the United States — a ridiculous idea with the tariffs set to take effect in a matter of days. 

“It’s clear the president has no concrete plan to bring back manufacturing. He hasn’t invested in American workers or created an attractive, stable business climate for domestic investment. Instead, he has just issued thinly veiled threats and shakedowns that are meant to bring in more revenue for him to abuse, while leaving Americans more vulnerable and less healthy. 

“It’s on Republicans to stop caving to him and join Democrats to end this chaos and restore some sanity in this country.”

Background

Ranking Member Sánchez introduced the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill that would turn off most of President Trump’s tariffs and require congressional approval for any new tariffs imposed by the president. The bill has the support of all Ways and Means Democrats.

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