The Devastating Impact of the Trump Administration's Auto Tariffs on Alabama

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the U.S. Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation into automobile imports and the negative impact that it could have on Alabama's economy. In my district, I have both a Hyundai and Mercedes auto manufacturing facility. Not only do they produce cars for the U.S. and foreign markets, but they provide thousands of high paying jobs for my constituents. Last year alone international automakers invested $10.2 billion in the state of Alabama, employing more than 80,000 citizens, and providing good wages and benefits to their employees.

On May 23rd, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced that the Commerce Department would begin an investigation into whether imports of automobiles and auto parts threaten national security. However, before the Department of Commerce could begin their investigation, President Trump delegitimized the entire process by prematurely stating that he wanted a 25 percent tariff on automotive imports. We now know that this investigation is just a justification for this administration's desire to implement 19th century style tariffs on America's allies around the globe.

The Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts that if the new auto tariffs are implemented, the United States will lose 624,000 jobs and production would fall by 4 percent. As Members of Congress, we cannot stand by and allow this administration's destructive trade policies to hurt American workers. As a result, I led a bipartisan letter, cosigned by 149 Members of Congress, to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross expressing concern with the Section 232 investigation into auto imports. The letter highlights the auto industry's importance to working families and the nation's economy, as well as the vast network of international suppliers that the industry relies on to stay competitive.

I strongly urge the Trump Administration to think carefully about the impact of the autos 232 investigation, and the devastating effect tariffs could have on American workers. Rather than endangering American jobs through a trade war with our allies, we need to strengthen our trading relationships to better position U.S. workers in the global marketplace.

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