WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“We need trade policies that are fair to American workers, environmentally sound, and good for American business, but starting a trade war with our closest allies is the worst thing we could do. Rather than working with our friends to solve difficult trade disputes, President Trump has come down harder on them than on China—the real trade violator—and opened the door for Vladimir Putin to undermine America’s relations in Europe and around the world.

“Slapping massive tariffs on Canada, Europe, and Mexico will only serve to push them closer to China and the Kremlin. The Trump Trade War is going to hurt American security and American workers. It’s going to place terrible burdens on businesses in my district and across the country. Congress cannot sit idly by as Donald Trump continues to isolate the United States and cede leadership to Russia and China on the global stage.” 

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