Sessions Statement on President Trump's Announcement Regarding Steel Tariffs

I released the following statement in response to the President's announcement on steel and aluminum tariffs: 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped unleash the free enterprise system, reinvigorate our economy, and created thousands of jobs across the country.

While I understand the need to make sure we are engaged in trade deals that put Americans first, a broad set of tariffs would roll back the progress we have made, make American businesses less competitive internationally, and raise prices on American consumers. As an ardent free trader, I firmly believe that we must minimize unintended negative consequences on American businesses, consumers, and our economy no matter our intentions.

Yesterday I joined 106 of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump to urge him to reconsider his approach and work with Congress to implement a workable, targeted approach to achieve our shared goal of making our country better, stronger, and more prosperous.