Nunn and Miller-Meeks vote to support tariffs (again) that are hurting Iowans’ budgets

Today, six U.S. House Republicans voted with Democrats to block Canadian tariffs. None were from Iowa. 

Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn voted against a resolution that will end Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Despite constituents' demands, concerns and pleas, Nunn and Miller-Meeks have continually voted for and supported Trump’s tariffs despite the loss of jobs and rising costs they have caused.

Tariffs on Canada pose a unique threat to Iowa. The $9 billion in trade between the two makes Canada Iowa’s largest trading partner, giving it an impressive impact on Iowa workers producing food and beverages, tractors, heating and cooling equipment and more. In 2025, all tariffs cost the average household around $1,000, to help fund tax breaks for billionaires. That number could increase this year if existing tariffs stay in place. 

Aaron Lehman, Iowa Farmers Union president and farmer from rural Polk County said that he is disappointed that all four of Iowa’s Reps. voted against Iowans’ best interest. 

"The administration's chaotic trade policy undermines our farmers," Lehman said. "The president's policy has led to lower prices for what we sell and has raised prices for what we need to buy. Together, it means farmers are losing money on every acre of crops we grow.  Rural communities are losing jobs that depend on a strong farm economy. Iowa’s representatives did nothing to bring us closer to a fair trade policy that is good for Iowa farmers, workers, and consumers."

"It is time to stop pretending. Clearly, the current trade chaos won't end until our policy leaders demand that it ends. Iowa’s members of Congress had that opportunity today and they chose to keep quiet. How crazy does the chaos need to get before our representatives finally step up?  All of our members of Congress should reassert their authority regarding trade policy and stand up for fair trade for family farmers."

Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, said that reckless trade policy hurts workers and their families. 

“Trade policy needs to be carefully put together, and targeted, and thought out, and most importantly, made to protect and put workers first,” Wishman said. “Anything short of that is not a serious policy discussion."