Pennsylvania HR 237: A Resolution condemning the tariff policy of the President of the United States and urging the President to end this tariff policy.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1707
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 237
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY WAXMAN, VENKAT, SANCHEZ, PIELLI AND HARKINS,
MAY 13, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND
OPERATIONS, MAY 13, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Condemning the tariff policy of the President of the United
States and urging the President to end this tariff policy.
WHEREAS, Since the start of his term in office, the current
President of the United States has used tariffs erratically and
unpredictably; and
WHEREAS, On April 2, 2025, the President announced reciprocal
tariffs on more than 100 countries, with tariff rates ranging
between 10% and 50% based on the size of the trade deficit
between the country and the United States; and
WHEREAS, The tariff announcement sent stock markets worldwide
tumbling, and on April 9, 2025, the S&P 500 entered the day
nearly 19% below its February peak; and
WHEREAS, The market turmoil left Americans who were retired
or close to retired anxious about their futures; and
WHEREAS, Economic forecasts immediately showed an increase in
the likelihood of a recession; and
WHEREAS, The President's proposed tariffs would have been one
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of the largest tax hikes in United States history, roughly
corresponding to a $2,100 tax increase per household in 2025
alone; and
WHEREAS, The increased cost of goods would have hurt lower-
income households especially; and
WHEREAS, The tariffs would have hurt businesses across this
Commonwealth and imposed an additional $5.3 billion in costs;
and
WHEREAS, On April 9, 2025, while the United States Trade
Representative was testifying before the United States House
Ways and Means Committee to defend the President's tariff
policy, the President abruptly announced a 90-day pause on
reciprocal tariffs and a lowering of the tariff rates to 10% for
most nations, except for those on China; and
WHEREAS, The President's whiplashing tariff announcements are
already inflicting economic damage and are creating profound
uncertainty for businesses, making it challenging to plan; and
WHEREAS, The President does not appear to have a coherent
strategy regarding tariffs and is unpredictably changing the
goals of his tariff policy; and
WHEREAS, This action is resulting in the United States being
seen as an unreliable trading partner and ally; and
WHEREAS, The President's reckless tariff policy is unlikely
to accomplish any of his economic goals, but instead will raise
costs on Americans and reduce investment in the United States
and confidence in the stability of the United States; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania condemn the tariff policy of the
President of the United States and urge the President to end
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this tariff policy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the
President of the United States and to each member of the United
States Congress from Pennsylvania.
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