Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Calls for Revocation of Trump's Tariff Powers

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Calls for Revocation of Trump's Tariff Powers

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) released a statement urging Congress to immediately revoke President Trump’s tariff authority, warning that his worsening tariffs are harming American families, leading to significant job loss and destabilizing the economy.

“President Trump is using powers granted to presidents over the last century, but it is time for Congress to reclaim the authority to levy tariffs, as intended by the Constitution. In the last week, we have watched President Trump’s trade war disrupt supply chains, isolate America from its allies and push the economy toward a devastating recession. These tariff policies have real impacts on our communities, inflicting the largest hit to Americans' 401(k)s since the early days of the pandemic and imposing a massive middle-class tax increase, with American households facing an average increased cost of $4,200 more per year. 

While the U.S. retreats into trade wars, the rest of the world is moving on. With such uncertainty, businesses are unwilling to invest here. Countries and businesses around the globe are adapting to the changing economic landscape, forging new partnerships and growing their own industries without the U.S. as a central player. Without immediate action, America will be left behind.

In response, we need a thoughtful, bipartisan strategy—one that combines carefully considered tariffs with incentives to rebuild American industry. This will provide the stability necessary for businesses to invest in U.S. jobs and guarantee sustainable economic growth–without harm to American communities.

I have heard from thousands of Maryland families, farmers and businesses who are deeply concerned about the financial hardship these tariffs are causing. They deserve answers. Congress must take immediate action to protect Americans and prioritize stability over political gamesmanship.”

The economic impact of these tariffs is already clear. Car manufacturer Stellantis is laying off 900 workers in Michigan and Indiana, Whirlpool is cutting a third of its workforce in Iowa, Americans have seen massive losses to their 401(k)s and the Dow fell more than 2,200 points last Friday alone. 

Marylanders heavily rely on the state’s imports from Mexico, which exceeds the U.S. total trade with Greece, including $2.4 billion in motor vehicles, $680 million in computer equipment, and $360 million in household appliances. The sharp increase in tariffs will raise costs and increase product scarcity for consumers without sufficient domestic alternatives on the market. Tariffs on imports from Canada, such as $72 million in vegetables and $472 million in aluminum, will increase grocery store and farming equipment costs, further squeezing the nearly 2,500 farms located in Maryland’s 6th District, already suffering from frozen USDA funds and the elimination of food assistance programs they rely on to sell their crops.