Virginia Families Continue to Feel Squeezed by Tariffs as SCOTUS Hears Arguments

Virginia Beach, VA – Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs, leaving people wondering who has the power of the purse. The Constitution states clearly that power resides in the House of Representatives, but Rep. Kiggans and Congressional Republicans ceded the power to impose tariffs to the President earlier this year, which has led to skyrocketing costs across the board for working families.

“As the primary caretaker for my son and my aging parents, I’m also the house manager, making sure we can stay within an already slim budget,” said Bernita Richardson of Virginia Beach. “My son has special needs, and my parents require 24/7 care, and we live on a fixed income. There’s no room for extras, and lately it seems like I keep making cuts to my budget while billionaires continue to get cuts to their taxes. Prices continue to rise, and these tariffs have only exacerbated these costs. Rep. Kiggans supported giving the president control of tariffs, she relinquished a critical power of Congress to him without any checks. I wish my representative  would stand up for families like mine so that we don’t have to squeeze blood from a stone.”

“Each milestone this year has been more expensive than years past, and we haven’t even gotten to holiday shopping,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “Rep. Kiggans has turned her back on her constituents at every turn, and because of her vote to allow President Trump to impose tariffs, working families are feeling the squeeze in every corner of our Commonwealth. This year, families are expected to spend an additional $132 because of tariffs during the holidays. $132 is an electric bill or a week of groceries. Families are already bracing for higher healthcare costs, and for those affected by the shutdown, they don’t know if they’ll have a paycheck at all. Rep. Kiggans needs to reverse course and put her constituents first, they can’t afford this cruelty.”