This week, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) led 19 of their Democratic Women’s Caucus colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent urging an investigation into potential gender bias and regressivity within the U.S. tariff system.  The letter follows reports that the U.S. tariff schedule places higher import taxes on women than men for the same or similar products, including razors and clothes. 

“As Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, we write to express our concern regarding the disproportionate financial harm that the Trump administration’s tariff policies have on women,” the members wrote.  “Women pay on average three percent more in tariffs than men for the same or similar products, including razors and clothing.  These additional costs can add up quickly, especially for working mothers and families.  Now, as President Trump attempts to impose sweeping tariffs and launch trade wars against our trading partners, it is even more important that we understand how higher tariffs will raise costs for everyone, and women in particular.  We urge the Treasury Department to analyze the tariff system’s impact on women and work to address these existing financial inequities immediately. 

“All mothers deserve to afford basic needs such as groceries and clothing for their children,” the members continued.   “All women should be able to purchase a coat without worrying the price is higher because of the coat’s gender classification.  Our country’s own tariff system should not financially punish women for purchasing goods.  During these uncertain economic times, we must uplift women and working families, not further financially burden them.” 

In March, Congresswomen Fletcher and Petterson reintroduced the Pink Tariffs Study Act, H.R. 2047, which would require the Department of Treasury to conduct such a study on this gender bias within the tariff system. 

Since President Trump started his trade wars in April, Congresswoman Fletcher has cosponsored several bills to end them and to prevent the President from unilaterally imposing tariffs, including the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, H.R. 2888; the Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025, H.R. 1903; the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, H.R. 2459; and the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, H.R. 2464. 

To read the full text of the letter, click here.