Rep. Cisneros Calls out President’s Tariffs and How They Hurt the 31st’s Small Businesses

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. released the following statement after President Trump signed executive orders that would implement tariffs on the United States' largest trading partners, a move that could lead to a damaging trade war and raise prices for American consumers: 

“In spite of the President’s bravado, economists and business leaders – and even the President himself –  agree that the American people will ultimately have to foot the bill on these poorly thought out tariffs. Tariffs will lead to higher prices in the grocery store, at the pump, and even in online marketplaces. Not only will my constituents be forced to bear the brunt of these higher costs, but small businesses in my district and across the country will also be adversely affected.

“Paying more for their imports will strain small businesses' cash flow and their profit margins, meaning small businesses owners will be forced to increase prices and in turn risk losing customers to larger companies and corporations. There will also be untold supply chain disruptions, making it more difficult for small businesses to get the goods they need and fill customer orders. Ultimately, the President’s tariffs are bad for Americans and bad for American small businesses. I urge the President to take real action to lower everyday costs instead of enacting backroom deals that only benefit billionaires and his wealthy cabinet members.”

President Trump’s proposed 25% tariff translates to a 25% increase on cars Americans buy, lumber companies use to build homes, the fruit on our families’ tables, and so much more. The Budget Lab estimates the tariffs will raise prices by $1,250 per family. The right-leaning Tax Foundation estimates it will raise prices by $830 per family while also shrinking output. It’s estimated that CA-31 businesses export $177 million in goods and $110 million in services annually to Canada, alone.

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and previously served in the 116th Congress. He currently serves on the House Committee on Small Business and is the Ranking Member of its Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee.