CONDEMNING TRUMP'S TRADE WAR WITH CANADA

On 2026-09-02, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "CONDEMNING TRUMP'S TRADE WAR WITH CANADA" in the House.

CONDEMNING TRUMP'S TRADE WAR WITH CANADA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [House] [Page H5428] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONDEMNING TRUMP'S TRADE WAR WITH CANADA (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn President Trump's illogical trade war with Canada and juvenile executive order to rename Lake Ontario. Since the White House can't figure out how to lower costs for American families or reach a trade deal with our closest ally, it is resorting to meaningless distractions, like renaming a Great Lake. While my Democratic colleagues and I have introduced legislation to stop this nonsense, we are focused on the issues that actually matter: ending the affordability crisis fueled by Trump's erratic tariffs and reckless policies and stopping the most corrupt administration in American history. Whether it is his endless war in Iran, gutting healthcare and nutritional assistance for millions of Americans, or a trade war with Canada, each manufactured crisis created by Trump shows just how self- interested, incompetent, and careless he truly is. From communities like mine across the northern border, where ties to our Canadian neighbors run deep, through the interior and every other part of our great country, people simply cannot afford the increased costs of goods because of these tariffs. In western New York, family members cross the border to visit one another, and businesses rely on efficient cross-border commerce. Our restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions depend on Canadian visitors. This relationship grows jobs and strengthens our economy. Right now, Canadians are making a decision not to visit or do business with our country, creating economic instability at a time when Americans are already stretched too thin. People can't afford to put food on the table because grocery costs are too high. They are having trouble paying their utility bills to keep the lights on. The cost of gas is skyrocketing, and healthcare costs are through the roof. At the same time, people are worried whether or not they are going to have a job in the morning. Trump's continued chaos is making it harder for families to plan, businesses to invest, workers to save, and communities to grow. Americans are bearing the consequences of this economic ambush as Trump's failed policies make life more expensive and less secure for working families across our Nation. These tariffs are nothing more than a Trump tax, and American families are paying the price everywhere. Instead of creating jobs, growing wages, and giving working people a fair shot, this administration has pursued policies that make it harder for our families to get ahead. Americans deserve better than a President who embarrasses us on the world stage and the Republicans in Congress who rubberstamp his inflationary policies. When voters put Democrats back into the majority this November, we will overturn these failed GOP policies, lower costs, end corruption, and restore the promise of the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, in the meantime, let's stop Trump's tax, end these tariffs, and make life more affordable for the American people. ____________________