Press Releases

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after the U.S. increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and China announced earlier this week that they will level tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. “The greatest existential threat to the United States and our future is the rise of an increasingly aggressive and authoritarian China. For decades, we have allowed the communist-controlled Chinese regime to take advantage of us, which has resulted in stolen technologies, the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs, and a $300 billion trade deficit. We are long-overdue to hold them accountable and demand a fairer and more reciprocal relationship for American companies and workers,” said Arrington. “At the same time, we need to be smart and strategic about how we hit reset with China. While tariffs are the least desirable trade tool in our kit, they are a necessary one, and I believe the President is right to use them. However, we need to ensure that when we apply tariffs, we do so in a way that puts the maximum amount of pressure on China so that they change their behavior while also mitigating against the adverse effects on our own producers, manufacturers and economy. “To that end, I am imploring the President and his administration to provide relief to those industries most affected by these tariffs, agriculture being chief among them. We must achieve two things: one, give the President the runway to force China to a fairer deal; and two, ensure our producers and manufacturers can stay in business until we get to the other side of these negotiations. If we can achieve these objectives, I’m confident the future will be brighter and more prosperous for the next generation.”