On Feb. 7, Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) took to the House floor to denounce President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on our allies Canada and Mexico. While the tariffs have been delayed by 30 days, the threat of a trade war with our allies and trading partners remains.
“Mr. Speaker, this institution has a choice. To either be an independent, deliberative body, or to rubber stamp 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. The 25% tariff proposed on Canada is counterproductive and mean-spirited. It’s application to Mexico is equally devastating to us. It will raise prices for the everyday American. When they go to stores, over 1,200 goods will see prices rise with no rise in their paycheck. It will impact American goods sold in Canada and Mexico as they impose retaliatory tariffs to defend themselves.
“American families, not foreign leaders, will bear the burden. And the President himself acknowledged that Americans would face some pain. Wall Street and Main Street alike know that agricultural products, cars, steel, gas — all of this is a self-inflicted wound and all unnecessary. This institution needs to listen to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan eloquently warned American politicians not to do this. Thank you and I yield back.”
Latimer also recently joined dozens of House Democrats to introduce the Taxpayer Data Protection Act. This legislation is a direct response to Elon Musk’s shameful invasion of Americans’ privacy. The Taxpayer Data Protection Act will stop people with conflicts of interest or without a security clearance from accessing the highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system– which is responsible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
“I have heard from hundreds of my constituents that they are concerned about Elon Musk’s takeover of the federal payment system and what it means for their sensitive information and privacy. I am proud to support the Taxpayer Data Protection Act so that Congress can hold the Trump Administration accountable and prevent Musk and his minions from rifling through the private data of everyday Americans. We must act now,” said Rep. Latimer
If passed, the Taxpayer Data Protection Act bill will curb corruption and protect Americans’ privacy by ensuring that only trusted public servants without conflicts of interest and with appropriate security clearances can access the Treasury Department’s most sensitive systems.
