OSWEGO, N.Y. — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stood on the docks of the Port of Oswego on Tuesday to unveil the “End Trump’s Tariffs Act,” legislation that would repeal and refund the tariffs imposed by President Trump, including a 50% duty on certain Canadian goods.
Local businesses feel the squeeze
Schumer warned that the tariffs are “skyrocketing” costs for small businesses and family farms, and are hurting the tourism industry that depends on visitors from across the border. “Instead of making life more affordable for hardworking families, Trump is focused on directing more taxpayer dollars to his billionaire friends,” the senator said.
Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino, a Republican, echoed concerns about the impact on the city’s economy. “As a city with strong economic, cultural and family ties to Canada, we see firsthand how important a relationship with our two countries is,” Corradino said, noting a recent decline in Canadian visitors.
Owners describe rising expenses
Local entrepreneurs described the effect of the tariffs on everyday operations. Mikaela Tubolino, owner of 114 Reserve, said her café has faced “extreme price increases” on dairy, cocoa, coffee beans, electricity and paper products, while also coping with higher shipping and gasoline costs.
Other Oswego‑area businesses, including the Port of Oswego Authority, Eagle Metalcraft and Sterling House Farm, voiced support for Schumer’s call to end the tariffs, saying the added taxes threaten their competitiveness.
Political backdrop
In August, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” The order applies only to federal usage and has drawn criticism from many Oswego residents. On September 14, the Oswego City Common Council voted to memorialize the historic name “Lake Ontario” as the lake’s true name.
Schumer’s proposal comes as part of a broader debate over the administration’s trade policy, which the President argues protects American jobs and industry. The Trump administration has not issued a comment on the proposed legislation at the time of this writing.
Next steps
The “End Trump’s Tariffs Act” will be introduced in the Senate and referred to the appropriate committees for consideration. If passed, it would aim to roll back the 50% tariff on $20 billion of Canadian goods and provide refunds to affected businesses.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
