Neal, Sánchez condemn trade chaos

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) issued a joint statement today on President Trump’s constantly changing date on tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as his threats of new tariffs on the European Union:

“President Trump has been waffling all week on his reckless tariffs on Canada and Mexico because the consequences are spooking him. On Monday, he said they were on track to be implemented in March, yesterday he delayed them until April and now they’re supposedly set to hit next week – assuming he doesn’t change his mind yet again.

“And that’s all happening while he’s threatening the European Union with similar reckless tariffs.

“Businesses don’t know where to turn for safety. Consumers see only higher and higher prices. Our workers and farmers know too well that trade wars bring pink slips. And everyone needs stability from the White House.

"Tariffs are a tool that can help level the playing field for American workers, not settle political scores and coerce our allies. Ways and Means Democrats have condemned the president’s misuse of executive powers to bypass Congress’ constitutional authority on trade and call on him to stop making pointless, self-sabotaging threats. 

“He should work with Congress on a holistic trade policy that protects American jobs in the short term, while investing in our economy for the long term. Otherwise, we will see more chaos as President Trump keeps desperately flailing, threatening trade wars that nobody wants.” 

Background:

Earlier this month, Ways and Means Committee Democrats sent a letter demanding President Trump rescind his executive order establishing 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. That letter is available here.

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