Reps. John James and Tom Barrett Vote to Keep Tariffs Unchecked as Costs Eat Up Working Families

Last night, Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett voted against legislation that would allow Congress to curtail the executive branch's unchecked power to implement tariffs. Now, the House is expected to vote on striking down tariffs on Canada which have impacted Michigan’s economy. 

"I'm a carpenter and small business owner in Macomb County, and tariffs have forced me to raise my prices on every single job. Lumber costs more. Hardware costs more. Tools cost more. My customers are struggling families who can barely afford repairs as it is, and now I have to tell them it's going to cost even more," said Alex, a Macomb County carpenter and small business owner. "When John James votes to let these tariffs continue unchecked, he's voting to take money directly out of my pocket and my customers' pockets. We need Congress to do its job and rein in these tariffs before they destroy small businesses like mine."

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows food costs rose 2.4 percent in 2025, driven in part by tariffs on food, farming inputs, and packaging. The Federal Reserve's January 2026 "Beige Book" report noted that cost pressures from tariffs were a consistent theme across all regions, with businesses increasingly passing these costs to customers. A study from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy found that domestic importers and US customers paid 96 percent of tariff costs, while foreign firms paid only 4 percent.

Michigan Families for Fair Care recently launched a seven-figure ad campaign highlighting Alex and the impact tariffs have had on Michigan. You can watch the full ad here, as well as our other ads featuring more Michigan residents. 

“By voting against congressional oversight of tariffs last night, James and Barrett chose to let the executive branch continue raising costs on Michigan families with no accountability. Which is why we’ve put out an ad featuring Alex, who as a business owner has been on the frontlines of this self-imposed affordability crisis.” said Steve Lawson, Executive Director for Michigan Families for Fair Care. “We call on Representatives John James and Tom Barrett to strike down these harmful tariffs on Canada to give our small businesses a fighting chance. “