March 11, 2026
Click link directly below to hear the senator:
https://rumble.com/v76yyo0-senator-gillibrand-the-consequences-of-war-march-11-2026.html
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that the Trump administration prioritize bringing relief to American families instead of doubling down on unconstitutional foreign wars and reckless tariff policies that are driving up the cost of living for hardworking New Yorkers. Gillibrand also announced new legislation to exempt small businesses from the latest round of President Trump’s tariffs and require the administration to refund businesses for tariff costs they’ve already paid. “New Yorkers deserve better than President Trump’s illegal tariffs, reckless wars, and cost-increasing chaos,” said Senator Gillibrand. “President Trump must put the American people first, end the war with Iran, and revoke his harmful tariffs once and for all. I am proud to cosponsor legislation to give some relief to working New Yorkers and small businesses by refunding tariff costs, and I will continue to do everything in my power to shield New Yorkers from the president’s chaos.” Last month, the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s global “reciprocal” tariffs that he unlawfully imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Following that ruling, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to refund the billions of dollars that it took from U.S. consumers and businesses in the form of those illegal tariffs. Despite this, President Trump doubled down by announcing a sweeping new 10% tariff on nearly all imports entering the United States under a different legal authority, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. He has since pledged to increase those tariffs to 15%. The Small Business Liberation 2.0 Act would exempt small businesses from paying Section 122 tariffs, refund small businesses for any Section 122 tariffs paid, and prevent price gouging for consumers because of Trump’s new tariff policy. The full text of this legislation can be found here. Senator Gillibrand has opposed President Trump’s tariffs since the start of his administration. Last year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing the Small Business RELIEF Act to end Trump’s Tariff Tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal. Senator Gillibrand also reiterated her call for President Trump to end his reckless war with Iran, which is driving up costs even further. Oil and gas prices have skyrocketed since President Trump struck Iran, making it more expensive for New Yorkers to heat their homes and power their vehicles. Regular gas in New York costs about 44 cents more per gallon than it did just last week. Senator Gillibrand has made clear that she will not provide a blank check for President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. Last week, she voted yes on the Senate’s war powers resolution to reassert Congress’ responsibility, demand accountability, and send a clear message that military force must be debated, justified, and authorized before American lives are put at risk. She has repeatedly called for the president to prioritize lowering costs at home rather than reckless foreign wars abroad.
