1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the tariffs that are driving up costs for small businesses and consumers across the country. These tariffs do not effectively punish the country of origin but instead place an undue financial burden on American companies and households. If these policies continue, they will contribute to inflation, drive businesses to cut jobs, and push our nation toward an economic downturn. Tariffs function as a hidden tax on the American people. Small businesses, which operate on tight margins, are being forced to absorb higher costs or pass them on to consumers. This weakens our economy and reduces our global competitiveness. Instead of protecting American jobs, these tariffs are increasing the cost of raw materials, manufacturing components, and consumer goods, making it harder for businesses to thrive and leading to potential job losses in the hundreds of thousands. History has shown that trade restrictions and protectionist policies do more harm than good. I urge you to advocate for policies that promote fair and open trade, remove unnecessary tariffs, and support American businesses in a way that strengthens our economy rather than weakening it. Please take action to stop these harmful tariffs before they cause further damage. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response on this critical issue.