Padilla Statement on Russia Sanctions Bill Giving Trump Broader Tariff Authorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after voting against legislation that would expand Donald Trump's tariff authorities as part of legislation initially designed to sanction Russia for its unprovoked war against our ally Ukraine:

"I fully support and stand by the people of Ukraine bravely fighting for their freedom. From securing billions in funding to deliver military, economic, and humanitarian aid to advocating for Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians living in the United States, and passing rigorous sanctions on Russia, I remain fully committed to supporting their defense.

"However, Congress should not use a Russia sanctions bill to hand Trump new tariff authorities that he will wield recklessly, especially while Americans continue to struggle with the fallout of his failed economic policies. While I will continue to proudly stand by Ukraine and will work to impose strong, targeted consequences on Russia, I cannot support legislation that makes it harder for American families to make ends meet."

Before final passage, Padilla voted in favor of an amendment to strip the new tariff authorities from the legislation. The vote failed 32-64.

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