Washington, DC – Rep. Pete Olson today issued the following statement in response to the Administration’s decision to adjust steel and aluminum tariffs and the impact on the U.S. economy:
“While I respect the president’s goal of seeking a better trade balance for our nation, trade is critically important to our economy and I have substantial concerns about this action. Past precedent has shown these tariffs will have unintended consequences on consumers and businesses across the country, raising prices on everything from a new car or truck to a new pipeline or petrochemical plant.
“That’s why in recent months, I joined with over 100 of my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to the president expressing our ‘deep concerns about the prospect of broad, global tariffs on aluminum and steel imports.’ We cautioned that tariffs should be carefully targeted and narrowly written. I also believe that products that cannot reasonably be made here in the United States should be excluded. I reiterate my view that fair and free trade is critical to our prosperity in Texas and our nation.”