President Trump: These tariffs will only cause a ‘little bit of disturbance.’
Alsobrooks: Prove it.
Washington, D.C. – Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced her first bill, the Tariff Transparency Act. This necessary legislation will require the United States International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation on the impact of these tariffs, and the threat of these tariffs, on imports from Mexico and Canada. Alsobrooks was joined in introducing the legislation by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).
“Marylanders are struggling to put food on the table and afford the basic necessities as it is. The last thing we need are tariffs that will raise prices,” said Alsobrooks. “The truth is this: the Trump Administration knows that the tariffs on allies like Canada and Mexico will raise prices for consumers, spike inflation, and harm American small businesses. If they disagree, now is their time to prove it. My bill will force a nonpartisan study on this Administration’s tariffs and how they will impact everyday Americans.”
“The dairy industry has worked hard to grow our markets and Trump’s tariffs could erase years of hard work and cause a drop in farmers’ incomes. Unnecessary and arbitrary tariffs against our best customers puts farmer’s livelihoods at risk and the consequences are unpredictable. A study should be undertaken before tariffs are implemented and the predictable retaliation that will undoubtedly follow in response. That’s why the Senate must immediately pass Senator Alsobrooks’ legislation, the Tariff Transparency Act, so we know exactly how these arbitrary tariffs will impact our livelihoods,” said Judy Gifford, owner and operator, St. Brigid’s Farm.
“Senator Alsobrooks’ Tariff Transparency Act is a necessary piece of legislation that will provide the American people with concrete data about the impacts of these tariffs — on consumers, on the small business sector, and on companies ability to make strategic decisions about hiring and employment,” Benjamin Orr, President, Founder & CEO, Maryland Center on Economic Policy.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am fearful that these chaotic and non-strategic tariffs from President Trump are going to negatively impact our small businesses and the everyday Americans who rely on us for goods and services. That’s why I’m grateful that Senator Alsobrooks has put forward this timely legislation, the Tariff Transparency Act. President Trump has said his tariffs will only cause ‘a little disturbance.’ This bill will force him to prove it,” said Herman Taylor, President, Minority Business Economic Council, Inc. (MBEC).
“The question on everyone’s mind is how will these tariffs impact everyday people. Senator Alsobrooks’ Tariff Transparency Act will help to answer that question. As the new administration continues to create uncertainty for business owners, having a study that measures how these tariffs will impact the overall economy is an absolute necessity. This is a much-needed and timely legislation by Senator Alsobrooks,” said Dewan Clayborn, President & CEO, Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
Read more – The Washington Post: Sen. Angela Alsobrooks takes aim at Trump tariffs with her first bill
Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
###