Rep. Stevens Statement on President Trump’s Reckless Threat to Raise Tariffs on Mexican Imports

WASHINGTON – On Friday, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s recent threat to raise tariffs on Mexican imports. According to CNBC, Michigan would be among the states that would “feel the brunt of the pain from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs,” with 38 percent of the state’s imported products coming from Mexico.  

“President Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on Mexican imports is extremely frustrating and counterproductive,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “Not only would the President’s reckless move jeopardize passage of the carefully negotiated trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that he claims to support, it would punish consumers and working families in Michigan by raising prices without actually making our borders more secure. The President’s threat follows a pattern of hasty, impulsive decision-making by tweet, a pattern that leads to chaos and confusion for manufacturers. Manufacturers in my district want stability, and they want us to pass much needed improvements to NAFTA. If President Trump wants to help Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing sectors, he should immediately rethink this ill-advised tariff threat and let Congress continue to work on a trade agreement that will benefit workers, businesses, and consumers.”

In the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Stevens has been a leading advocate for the manufacturing sector. In her role as Chair of the House Science Subcommittee on Research & Technology, she has chaired a subcommittee hearing on advanced manufacturing. She introduced the American Manufacturing Leadership Act, a bill to improve the Manufacturing USA program. She has also written an op-ed and introduced a resolution to promote the practice of remanufacturing. Congresswoman Stevens often holds “Manufacturing Monday” events in Michigan, during which she visits small- and mid-size businesses, training centers, schools, or other places that play a role in southeast Michigan’s manufacturing and innovation economy.

Congresswoman Stevens previously worked as the Director of Workforce Development & Manufacturing Engagement at the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute, where she oversaw a national strategy to train and educate the current and future workforce in digital manufacturing technologies and processes. Congresswoman Stevens also played a key role in setting up the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy during the Obama Administration.

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