[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 69 (Thursday, April 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E336-E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   OPPOSING THE CHAOTIC AND HARMFUL TRADE POLICIES OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2025

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned by 
President Trump's chaotic, contradictory, and harmful trade policy that 
affect American families and my state of Illinois. His emergency powers 
to impose tariffs have disrupted business and commerce to operate 
successfully during a time of inconsistent policy initiatives with 
major trading partners like Canada, China, and Mexico.
  What is more alarming is that this trade policy also undermines the 
Republican Party's historic commitment to free markets and open trade. 
It is not based on a clear, comprehensive, well-balanced and measured 
policy vision, but rather on arbitrary decisions that seem to reflect 
the preferences of a single individual--or a small group--more than the 
American people. We've now reached a point where this `` America 
First'' trade policy is now delivering real economic damage across the 
country.
  I want to emphasize that this is not an isolated concern. My 
constituents, as well as economists, academicians, and policy experts 
across the country have echoed the same worries. The Administration's 
recent approach to tariffs has created serious uncertainty for U.S. 
businesses, workers, and consumers. This is not just a matter of 
opinion, it is supported by data and economic analysis.
  Economic experts estimate that the 2025 tariffs will raise overall 
prices by 2.3 percent, costing the average household $3,800 annually, 
with even greater burdens on working-class families. Clothing prices 
are expected to jump by 33 percent, and food prices by 4.5 percent. 
These are not abstract numbers, they represent real consequences for 
real people: higher grocery bills and more expensive everyday 
essentials.
  For instance, Canada, Illinois's top export market for oil, vehicles 
parts, and agricultural products, has already signaled retaliation,

[[Page E337]]

threatening our supply chains and manufacturing sectors. A similar 
pattern occurs with China, where Illinois sends substantial volumes of 
agricultural products and electronics. Mexico is another major trading 
partner in auto parts, machinery, and food products. Disrupting the 
supply chains through tariffs or threats to pull out of trade deals 
like the USMCA could destabilize job-creating industries within 
Illinois.
  Moreover, this trade strategy is not only economically damaging, but 
also unconstitutional. Congress, not the President, holds the exclusive 
authority to regulate foreign commerce. The Administration's abuse of 
emergency powers to give himself authority to regulate foreign trade 
and impose tariffs on the entire world bypasses the legislative 
process, undermines transparency, and strips away the opportunity for 
public accountability.
  This is why, I urge my colleagues, especially Republican Members of 
Congress, to approach this trade policy in a joint and measured manner 
for our constituents. When Congress gives away its capacity to question 
and dialogue with the other branch, we weaken our position and risk 
deals that don't reflect all American values or economic priorities.

                          ____________________