By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) has introduced her first piece of legislation since joining the U.S. Senate, the Tariff Transparency Act. This bill seeks to address growing concerns over the economic effects of tariffs imposed on imports from Mexico and Canada. If passed, it will require the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into how these tariffs and the mere threat of them affect American consumers, businesses and industries.
Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Alsobrooks, a former Prince George’s County executive, is leading the charge against tariffs that she and her colleagues argue will raise prices and harm American families, especially families in marginalized communities. She has garnered the support of 16 other Democratic senators, including Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
In announcing the bill, Alsobrooks emphasized the financial strain many Americans are already facing.
“Marylanders are struggling to put food on the table and afford the basic necessities as it is. The last thing we need are tariffs that will raise prices,” she said in a statement.
“The truth is this: the Trump Administration knows that the tariffs on allies like Canada and Mexico will raise prices for consumers, spike inflation, and harm American small businesses. If they disagree, now is their time to prove it. My bill will force a nonpartisan study on this Administration’s tariffs and how they will impact everyday Americans,” the Democratic senator added.
The proposed tariffs have drawn criticism from a wide range of industries, particularly agriculture, manufacturing and small businesses that rely on trade with Canada and Mexico. Critics argue that these tariffs could drive up costs for both producers and consumers, creating inflationary pressure and threatening economic growth.
Judy Gifford, owner and operator of St. Brigid’s Farm, expressed concern over the potential harm to the agricultural sector, particularly dairy farmers who depend on international trade.
“The dairy industry has worked hard to grow our markets, and Trump’s tariffs could erase years of hard work and cause a drop in farmers’ incomes,” Gifford said in a statement.
“Unnecessary and arbitrary tariffs against our best customers put farmers’ livelihoods at risk and the consequences are unpredictable. A study should be undertaken before tariffs are implemented and the predictable retaliation that will undoubtedly follow in response. That’s why the Senate must immediately pass Senator Alsobrooks’ legislation, the Tariff Transparency Act, so we know exactly how these arbitrary tariffs will impact our livelihoods,” she added.
The business community is also voicing support for Alsobrooks’ legislation, stressing the need for data-driven policymaking before implementing measures that could disrupt supply chains and employment.
Dewan Clayborn, president and CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce, echoed these concerns, pointing out that businesses need stability and predictability to thrive.
“The question on everyone’s mind is how will these tariffs impact everyday people. Senator Alsobrooks’ Tariff Transparency Act will help to answer that question,” Clayborn said in a statement.
“As the new administration continues to create uncertainty for business owners, having a study that measures how these tariffs will impact the overall economy is an absolute necessity. This is a much-needed and timely legislation by Senator Alsobrooks,” he added.
With strong Democratic support, the Tariff Transparency Act has a chance to advance in the Senate, though its fate remains uncertain in a politically divided Congress. The bill’s proponents argue that requiring the USITC to provide an independent analysis will ensure that tariffs are based on economic realities rather than political maneuvering.
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