Rep. Kiggans Votes in Support of Killing Everyone’s Buzz With Extension of Coffee Tariffs

Virginia Beach, VA - Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans voted yes on a proposition that would extend President Trump’s unfettered ability to enact tariffs and continue to increase costs for families. This came after a vote last night to extend the 50% tariffs on Brazil, which has led to increased prices for coffee drinkers everywhere.

“As a small business, every dollar we make goes right back into keeping the doors open,” said Stephen Davis, owner of Bear House Coffee. “These prices don’t just affect my bottom line, there’s only so much someone is willing to pay for their morning latte before they just start making it at home. Sure, I could raise my prices, but that’s not something I should have to do. I got into this because I love coffee and the sense of connection it brings to our community. Out-pricing our customers causes more isolation when they opt for at-home brewing. I’m not political, but tariffs are hurting the coffee industry, and small businesses such as mine. Rep. Kiggans has voted to extend them, stretching an already tight budget even further.”

“America drinks coffee every day, many people drink it multiple times a day, and whether you’re drinking a cup from your local coffee shop or making it at home, it’s getting more expensive,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “Coffee isn’t the only thing getting more expensive, the price of almost all of our everyday goods, from back-to-school items to groceries to clothes, is skyrocketing because Republicans in Congress gave Trump unilateral control over enacting tariffs. Rep. Kiggans just voted to continue to relinquish control to the President, all at the cost of working families in her district.”