U.S. Congresswoman Dean Condemns Tariff Impact On Families

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean is criticizing President Donald Trump for wanting to impose tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada, saying it will drive up prices for goods and services for families.

“At a time when the cost of living is too high and grocery costs are up 28 percent over the past five years, President Trump is imposing price hikes on some of our closest trade partners. To be clear, the Trump tariffs are really taxes on American consumers," Dean said in a statement Monday.

The Trump Administration planned on imposing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10 percent tariff on China, which already has tariffs ranging from 25-100 percent on many goods, Dean said.

The Trump Administration later held off on implementing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days after border concessions were made.

Dean, who represents sections of Montgomery County, said that more than a third of the products brought into the United States every year — more than $1 trillion worth — would face price hikes of up to 25 percent.

"Additionally, unstable, unthought-out trade policies hurt American businesses; businesses cannot operate in an economy where tariffs — and as a result, their operating costs — change hour-by-hour," Dean said. "Because of President Trump, Americans will pay more to feed their families, drive to work, build or rebuild their homes, and heat their homes in the middle of winter."

The United States imports more than any other nation: fruits, vegetables, grains, electronics, lumber, steel, and fuel will all get significantly more expensive.

Dean said grocery bills, gas bills — everyday costs for our cars and our homes — will rise.

"There is not a single corner of our economy that will remain safe from these price hikes," Dean said. "I urge President Trump to reverse course immediately — before American families pay the price.”