Rep. Charlie Dent said Tuesday that the steel and aluminum tariffs would directly hurt his congressional district in Pennsylvania.
“I represent the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Bethlehem Steel was the largest — second largest — steel producer in the world, at one time. That company no longer exists. We don’t make steel in my district anymore,” Mr. Dent, a Republican, said on CNN.
He said the aluminum tariff would hurt the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, where Hershey chocolate is produced.
“Aluminum tariffs will directly affect my congressional district. I represent Hershey, Pennsylvania, the sweetest place on earth. Well, they use aluminum foil to wrap those Hershey kisses,” Mr. Dent said.
President Trump announced an increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum last week — 25 percent for steel and 10 percent on aluminum — amid pushback from some of his economic advisers. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s office also released a statement on Monday expressing concern about a possible trade war.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.