Rand Paul

Republican

Senator
State: KY

Kentucky

via: timesnownews.com

'Shooting Ourselves In The Foot': US Senator Slams 100% Tariff Threat On India

Last year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchases of Russian energy. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Photo : AP

A proposed 100% tariff on imports from India and China has triggered sharp opposition in the US Senate, with Senator Rand Paul warning that the measure could end up hurting American interests. Speaking during the debate on a Russia sanctions bill, Paul called the proposed tariffs the "economic equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot" and warned that such steep duties could damage Washington's ties with key partners, including India. Senator Ron Wyden has also voiced opposition to the tariff provisions.

"Imposing a 100 percent tariff on all goods imported from countries like China and India is the economic equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot," Paul said in an article for Daily Caller.

"Congress should not delegate its constitutional duties to the Executive so shamelessly," Paul stated, adding that "I hope I am not the only Republican left in Congress who is horrified by a bill that proposes to raise taxes by half a trillion dollars."

Paul also rejected the argument that the cost of tariffs would be borne by foreign suppliers, calling the claim “laughable” and “absurd”. He argued that tariffs are ultimately paid by American importers and consumers, warning that the measure could further raise costs for Americans already struggling with a higher cost of living.

India, China Could Face 100% Tariffs

The US Senate has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that could authorise President Donald Trump to impose punishing tariffs on India, China and other major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas.

The legislation received bipartisan support, passing by an 86-11 vote. It was championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who died last month shortly after returning from a visit to Ukraine. Senator Darline Graham, who was appointed to her brother’s seat, said before the vote that the legislation “hits Putin where it hurts.”

The bill must still pass the House before it can become law.

Under the legislation, Trump would be authorised to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian crude and natural gas, as well as the top five countries helping Russia evade energy sanctions.

Last year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchases of Russian energy but later lifted it as part of efforts to reach a broader US-India trade deal.

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'Shooting Ourselves In The Foot': US Senator Slams 100% Tariff Threat On India