HR32

Trump’s national sales tax is destroying the economy.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and members of the committee. For the record, my name is Alexis Simpson, and I represent Rockingham County District 33, the towns of Exeter, Newfields, Newmarket, and Stratham. I'm here to introduce HR 32, a resolution urging the United States Congress to rescind the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and to oppose the use of emergency powers to impose similar tariffs in the future. This resolution is about affordability for New Hampshire families, economic stability for our businesses, and the appropriate limits on federal emergency authority. People are struggling with the cost of groceries and essential household items. Businesses are struggling with economic uncertainty, because they rely on the ability of consumers to purchase enough to keep them in business. Recently enacted tariffs have created unnecessary uncertainty in the economy. On April 2, 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. That declaration allowed the administration to impose a 10 percent base tariff on nearly all imported goods, with higher tariffs on certain trading partners. While framed as an emergency measure, these tariffs operate in practice as a broad tax on Americans. Economists are clear and consistent on this point: tariffs are paid by consumers and businesses, not foreign governments. Those costs are passed on through higher prices, and those on a fixed income and hard-working families are being hit the hardest. We are already seeing increased costs for essentials like food, clothing, electronics, fuel, and vehicles. New Hampshire is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Canada is our largest trading partner. We export approximately $1.4 billion in goods to Canada each year and import about $2 billion in return. Those imports include fuel oil, seafood, and wood products, items that directly affect the cost of heating our homes, feeding our families, and building housing. Canadian officials have been clear that tariffs on these goods will result in higher prices here at home. And we have more and more evidence that Canada is looking to other trade partners across the globe. NH is losing business. International trade supports roughly 182,000 jobs in New Hampshire. When tariffs disrupt supply chains and increase operating costs, they place those jobs at risk and reduce economic opportunity across the state, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. House Resolution 32 does not attempt to dictate federal trade policy. Instead, it urges Congress to reassert its constitutional role, terminate the emergency declaration that enabled these tariffs, and oppose future uses of emergency powers that bypass congressional oversight and raise costs for American families. This resolution is about standing up for Granite Staters who are paying more for everyday necessities through no fault of their own. It is a call for accountability, transparency, and economic common sense. It’s clear that the recently enacted tariffs have been harmful to the economy, small businesses, and everyday Granite Staters. Some of them have been altered or repealed, but this resolution is not just about the past, it’s about the future. Sowing economic uncertainty and insecurity are the last things that the government should be doing. Thank you, and I’m happy to answer any questions.

There is no current state of emergency that would warrant a tariff war with a trade ally.

This federal administration is operating under the myth that the country-of-origin pays tariffs. That is FALSE. We, the citizens of the US pay these tariffs. They are harming everyone who buys things in this country. (which would be everyone) The segment of population harmed the MOST by these tariffs are those who have to stretch their money to purchase the barest of necessities. That would include those on SS, disabled individuals, the elderly, young families, etc. This is NOT America first. These vulnerable citizens have to make impossible decision every day about whether to put food on their tables, or purchase their lifesaving medications. It's just wrong. That's why I support this Resolution.

Hurts industry and our future

The healthcare system is broken; we need Medicare for All