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Posted: Aug 08, 2018 10:52 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 08, 2018 10:55 PM CDT
ROCKFORD - Illinois' 16th District Congressional candidates sound off on President Trump's Chinese Tariffs. Eyewitness news spoke with Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Candidate Sara Dady, who are at opposite ends when it comes to a hike in tariffs set to be imposed by the President.
"History will judge on it," said Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-16th). "It's interesting in the past month i've kind of even evolved on my thoughts on what's going on in the current strategy."
"The last thing our country needs is a trade war," said Congressional Candidate for 16th District Sara Dady. "There's no doubt China has been an abuser when it comes to trade"
These opposing views come shortly after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Chinese goods. Kinzinger says China is enduring a weak economy, opening a window for the United States. "There's a lot of concern over Chinese trade practices," said Rep. Kinzinger. "There's a point where we have to take them on and this may be that point."
Meanwhile, Dady says the tariffs come at the expense of citizens. "Sacrificing our family farmers, and our manufacturing workers, and our construction workers, it's not the best way to handle this dispute."
"I don't like the effects of it, but this may be the time to take china on," said Rep. Kinzinger.
Dady says while tariffs have a place, a less aggressive approach could be taken, believing the U.S. should work on trade partnerships with allies. "It also does us no good at getting in a trade war with China without making sure that we have strong trade agreements with our largest trade partners like Mexico and Canada," said Dady. "They're really important for containing China, and to reduce risk of trade abuse in China, but that means we need friends, that means we need trading partners, we should be opening up."
Rep. Kinzinger serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee and remains optimistic. "I think we're in a good position right now with Canada and Mexico," said Rep. Kinzinger. "I think we're going to get a NAFTA renegotiation soon, Europe those trade tensions seemed to have settled. I'm a free trade guy and despise the use of tariffs in general. When people are using tariffs unfairly against us sometimes you have to fight back."
The 25% trade tariffs are set to go into place August 23rd.
Above is from: https://www.mystateline.com/news/congressional-candidates-talk-tariffs/1355714760
