[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S RETALIATORY TARIFFS

  (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, this institution has a choice: Either to be 
an independent deliberative body or to be a rubberstamp for foolish 
policies.
  What man desires to punish our neighbors, to insult and intimidate 
our closest ally Canada, when they have done nothing to warrant this 
action?
  Levying a tariff is an economic tool to be used carefully and 
strategically to deal with bad actors on the international scene who 
willfully undercut American fair trade. This 25 percent tariff that is 
proposed on Canada is counterproductive and mean-spirited. Its 
application to Mexico is equally devastating to us.
  It will raise prices for everyday Americans. When they go to the 
stores, the prices of over 1,200 goods will rise, with no rise in their 
paycheck. It will impact goods sold by American companies in Canada and 
Mexico as they impose retaliatory tariffs to defend themselves.
  American families, not foreign leaders, will bear the burden. The 
President himself acknowledged Americans would face some pain. Wall 
Street and Main Street alike know that the prices of agricultural 
products, cars, steel, and gas will rise. All of this is a self-
inflicted wound, and it is all unnecessary. This institution needs to 
listen to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan spoke eloquently and warned 
American politicians not to do this.

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