FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
Van Orden and Steil vote to protect costly tariffs through March
Congressmen vote to protect costly tariffs through March as inflation continues to increase costs for families and small businesses
MADISON, Wis. – This afternoon Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted once again to protect President Trump’s tariffs by preventing members of Congress from terminating them until at least the end of March. The vote is the third time Steil and Van Orden have supported Trump’s tariffs, even as costs continue to increase for Wisconsin families.
Today’s vote comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released data last week showing inflation continues to rise, hitting Wisconsin families where it hurts most – at the grocery store and gas pump. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years – while gas prices climbed 1.9%.
Yesterday, Steil and Van Orden also voted in favor of keeping 50 percent tariffs in place on goods imported from Brazil, which will continue to make common items like coffee and groceries more expensive.
"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are choosing to protect Trump's failed tariff policies instead of protecting Wisconsin families who are struggling to afford groceries and gas," said Kate Felton, an Eau Claire small business owner. "These tariffs are hurting small businesses like mine, forcing families to pay more for everyday items, and hurting our economy. It's time for Congress to end these costly tariffs and start supporting policies that support small businesses and working families instead."
"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are making Wisconsin families pay twice – first through higher prices from their tariffs, and then by stripping away healthcare and food assistance that families desperately need," said Sharon Dillon, an Eau Claire resident. "They're forcing us to choose between putting food on the table and paying for medicine, while they hand out tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Enough is enough, we need to put an end to these harmful tariffs and restore cuts that are hurting so many of our neighbors here in Wisconsin."
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