U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Thursday released the following statement on the Trump administration decisions to consider providing retroactive relief for businesses that successfully petition for product exclusions from steel and aluminum tariffs and to exempt the European Union (E.U.), Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Korea:
“Manufacturers and small businesses in northern Indiana and across the country have made clear that across-the-board tariffs would reverse our economic momentum and destroy jobs. I’m pleased the administration is listening to these voices and further narrowing tariffs to better target bad actors while protecting American businesses, workers, and consumers.
“I’m especially encouraged the administration is moving toward providing retroactive tariff relief to businesses granted product exclusions, a commonsense policy I led my colleagues in calling for and one I hope will be implemented swiftly. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure a robust and fair process so Hoosier manufacturers have access the products they need.”
BACKGROUND
Congresswoman Walorski last week led 15 of her Ways and Means colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Ross urging retroactive relief for companies that successfully petition for product exclusions from the tariffs. In testimony today before the committee, Secretary Ross said the Commerce Department has made a formal request to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to put tariffs paid while an exclusion request is pending into an escrow account so they can be returned if the exclusion is granted.
In a hearing on Wednesday, Walorski pressed U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer on the administration’s response to threats of retaliatory tariffs that could harm American farmers, manufacturers, and other small businesses.
Walorski previously sent a letter to President Trump expressing concerns with his tariff proposal and sharing feedback from local manufacturers. She also signed a letter, along with 106 of her House Republican colleagues, urging the president to target unfair trade practices rather than impose blanket tariffs.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
