Today, the New Democrat Coalition sent a press release highlighting the work of the Trade Task Force on ending Section 232 tariffs, where Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) serves as Co-Chair.  The New Democrat Coalition is the U.S. House of Representatives’ largest Democratic caucus, committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies.

From the New Democrat Coalition press release:

Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), led by Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind (WI-03) and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Vice Chair for Policy Scott Peters (CA-52) released the below statement following the announcement of a new agreement with Japan on the section 232 steel tariffs: 

“New Dems welcome the agreement the Biden administration has made with Japan to allow the duty-free import of steel from Japan, and we look forward to further progress to roll-back Trump era Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from other allies and close trading partners. Eliminating these tariffs will provide relief for domestic manufacturers and consumers at a time when prices are rising for American families. New Dems are committed to reclaiming American leadership of the global rules-based trading system, lowering costs for families, and promoting American manufacturers, workers, farmers, and rangers abroad. We look forward to working with President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, and Ambassador Tai to continue moving away from the misguided trade policies of the Trump administration so we can further support American businesses and consumers.”

New Dems have long advocated for the elimination of the harmful Trump-era Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs on U.S. allies and close trading partners. Following our call to address the Section 232 tariffs on the European Union (EU), Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai announced an agreement between the U.S. and EU on 232 tariffs. The NDC has since called for similar agreements with the United Kingdom and Japan, and is encouraged by this latest development.  

The New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force is committed to maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader and supports smart trade policy that benefits American workers, businesses, farmers, and consumers. We must pursue a policy that promotes a competitive workforce, respects and strengthens our global relationships, brings outdated agreements into the 21st century, and promotes American excellence and values abroad. We also support reigning in the unilateral trade actions the previous administration took and reasserting Congress’ involvement in tariff policy. We need to continue setting the rules for the global economy, not have them set by others. In doing so, our Trade Task Force will focus on championing the economy of the future, not the economy of 50 years ago.