New Dems Host Roundtable on Tariffs in Seattle, WA on 11th Stop of the On the Road Tour
Today, New Dem Members completed the 11th stop on the New Dems on the Road Tour, an initiative to get New Dem Members out of Washington, D.C. to hear from American workers, businesses, industry experts, nongovernmental organizations, and local leaders about how to improve policy in Washington.
New Democrat Coalition Rural Revitalization Working Group Chair Kim Schrier (WA-08) hosted former New Dem Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and New Dem Leadership Member Andrea Salinas (OR-06) for a roundtable discussion in Seattle, WA on the sweeping economic impacts of President Trump’s tariffs and ongoing trade war.
The Members convened the roundtable at the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) alongside WCIT President Lori Otto Punke, and were joined by business owners from across Washington state to hear about how the President’s tariffs and broader trade strategy are raising costs and hurting American businesses.
"Washington State exports more goods than nearly every state in the country, meaning that President Trump's reckless tariffs are especially destructive for farmers, small businesses, and families in my district," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. "At today's New Dem Coalition roundtable, we heard directly from business leaders in our community who expressed just how harmful the President's trade policy is for our local economy. I'm thankful for their thoughtful perspective and candor, and will continue to fight for them and the entire Eighth District in D.C."
“Today’s discussion makes clear that Trump’s illegal and chaotic tariffs are hurting businesses, cutting jobs, and raising prices on families,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. Washington state is an important place to host a roundtable like this because our economy is so trade-dependent with four out of every 10 jobs tied to international trade. New Dems have been at the forefront of smart, forward-looking trade policy that grows our economy for everyone. Discussions like this are critical for our work, understanding the harm the president’s sweeping tariffs are having on the ground and developing real solutions that can set workers and businesses on the right path going forward.”
“Today’s conversation underscores the real-world impact of President Trump’s disastrous trade policies. I have met with businesses of all sizes in the Willamette Valley and across the Pacific Northwest, and their message is clear: President Trump’s unilateral tariffs have hurt businesses, stalled investments, and raised prices for consumers,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. “Trump should focus on helping workers and businesses thrive. That’s what I’m focused on, and I’m grateful to New Dems, the Washington Council on International Trade, and all the business leaders I’ve met with for working with me to advance this goal.”