September 19,2018

Press Contact:

Katie Niederee and Nicole Hager, 202-224-4515

Hatch Announces Hearing on Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Auto Industry

Hearing Will Explore Effects of Tariffs on Customers, Local Communities and Industry as a Whole

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today announced that the Finance Committee will convene a hearing on the impact of tariffs on the U.S. automotive industry. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m. in 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building.

 “As the administration continues to rely on tariffs to resolve trade issues, I am convening a hearing to consider the impact on the U.S. auto industry,” Hatch said. “For a typical American family, a car is the second biggest purchase they make. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses to learn more about the potential harm tariffs could have on the industry and how they may be passed along to consumers. This hearing will give Finance Committee members an opportunity to engage with experts on what new tariffs on automobiles and automotive parts could mean for families, job creators and U.S. economic growth.”

 The witnesses at the hearing will be:

  • H. David Britt, Chairman of Economic Development, Spartanburg County Council Member 

  • Steve Gates, Dealer Principal, Gates Auto Family 

  • Michael Haughey, President & CEO, North American Stamping Group

  • Josh Nassar, Legislative Director, United Auto Workers

  • Rick Schostek, Executive Vice President, Honda North America, Inc.

 Who:

Senate Finance Committee

What:

Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Auto Industry

Where:

215 Dirksen Senate Office Building; Washington, D.C. 20510

When:

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018

10:30 a.m.

 For media inquiries and additional information, including webcast and testimony details, please visit: http://finance.senate.gov/hearings.  

 Background: In May, Hatch called the Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation into imports of automobiles, trucks and automotive parts deeply misguided and expressed frustration with the administration’s decision to impose steel and aluminum tariffs from the European Union, Canada and Mexico. In June, Hatch convened a Finance Committee hearing with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross about the administration’s use of Section 232 investigations.

Hatch also expressed concerns with the use of tariffs under Section 301 in July.

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