Claire McCaskill Discusses Harmful Impact of Tariffs with Local Farmers in St. Joseph

Statement

Today, Senator Claire McCaskill was joined by Missouri farmer Mark Cadle for a press conference in St. Joseph, 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 son and I raise corn, soybeans, and cattle so these retaliatory tariffs have us extremely concerned about our bottom line this year. It feels like every week soybean futures just keep falling. Soybeans had already lost over 20 percent of their value and just yesterday they closed down another 42 cents per bushel. Senator McCaskill has been way out front talking about this, so I want to thank her for letting people know how badly the trade war is hurting all farmers." -- Mark Cadle, Worth County

"Before these steel tariffs, our Maryville location used to be booming on Saturdays and business was growing. Now, we've had to really cut down on hours. I spend a lot of time worrying about what's going to happen to our business if this trade war doesn't end, but it makes me feel better to know Claire has our backs and is fighting for us." -- Tim Riley, Vice President of Laclede Chain, Maryville

"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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