NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., announced new legislation Tuesday aimed at countering the economic impact of tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, which he said are contributing to rising prices on consumer goods ahead of the summer season.
Speaking from New Jersey, Gottheimer introduced the Tariff Impact Act, which would require the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to analyze the economic effects of any future tariffs before they take effect. He also introduced the Congressional Oversight of Low-Value Imports Act (COOL Act), which would prevent changes to the current de minimis exemption for imports under $800 without congressional approval.
“Thanks to these sweeping tariffs, prices for grills, swimsuits, pool floats, and beach umbrellas are climbing just in time for summer,” said Gottheimer. “These cost increases are hurting families and small businesses across New Jersey.”
The congressman cited data from the National Retail Federation and WalletHub indicating that tariffs are affecting summer travel and consumer purchasing behavior. According to those reports, beach-related products and summer recreational goods have seen price increases ranging from 10% to 30%.
In addition to the new legislative proposals, Gottheimer is formally requesting that the Government Accountability Office conduct a study breaking down the regional impact of recent tariff policies on household costs by ZIP code.
Gottheimer has previously introduced bipartisan legislation on trade policy, including the Trade Review Act with Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and the Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act, which would require executive-branch justification for emergency tariffs.
Former President Donald Trump has defended his use of tariffs as a strategy to protect American industries and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. Supporters of the tariffs argue that they create leverage in trade negotiations and support domestic manufacturing.
