Claire McCaskill Holds Press Conference with Missouri Farmers to Highlight Harmful Impact of Tariffs

Statement

Today, Senator Claire McCaskill was joined by Missouri farmers Dale Edmondson and James Tucker for a press conference in Springfield, where they highlighted the harmful impact that the Administration's trade war is having on Missouri farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. While Claire has spoken out against the Administration's reckless trade policies and fought to protect Missouri jobs, Josh Hawley has continued to stand by the tariffs.

"My soybeans have lost as much as $2 in value because of the tariff uncertainty. I want to thank Senator McCaskill for coming to Springfield and listening to us. I wish more elected officials would do the same, and join Senator McCaskill in stopping this reckless trade war that is hurting us." -- Dale Edmondson of Morrisville

"Once the tariffs went into effect, the soybean market dived into a tailspin. Corn was dragged down with it. Mix in the worst statewide drought since 2012, bumper crops in big ag states like Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana and Missouri farmers like me are hurting. If the trade war worsens like many economists predict, Missouri farmers are going to be auctioning ground. I'm supporting Claire because she knows agriculture, and she isn't asking me to sacrifice my farm for a reckless political stunt." -- James Tucker, Greene County

"The Administration's decision to start picking winners and losers isn't fair to Missouri farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers, and it isn't the American way. While I support going after cheaters like China who manipulate international markets, this reckless trade war has hit hardest in communities here at home. That's why I will keep fighting to end these disastrous trade policies and to support our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and folks across Missouri." -- Senator Claire McCaskill

Claire is endorsed by the National Farmers Union for her work supporting Missouri's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Earlier this summer, Claire confronted Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross about job losses at Mid Continent Nail Corporation, which were a direct result of the Administration's tariffs. One Mid Continent Nail employee told Fox News that "Claire came here and is actually fighting for us. I haven't seen the other guy do anything." Claire called on Secretary Ross and the Commerce Department to help businesses like Mid Continent receive tariff exemptions, and she recently introduced legislation that would help workers who lost their jobs receive financial help. Claire also recently passed a bipartisan bill to protect Missouri's agriculture industry from the threat of agro-terrorism -- a bill that President Trump has signed into law. Claire will continue to speak out against the Administration's trade war until Missourians see significant and permanent relief from these tariffs.

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