Wisconsin Republicans speak out against Trump tariff

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will impose tariffs of 10 percent on foreign aluminum and 25 percent on foreign steel.

He said it will take at least 15 days for those tariffs to go into effect. Meanwhile, he will negotiate with other countries on how they can avoid the tariff. Lawmakers said that could cause a "trade war," where other countries will place similar tariffs on U.S. goods. Wisconsin cranberries, and Harley-Davidson have been pointed to as potential targets.

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-WI, said the tax on foreign metal will also make it difficult to overhaul infrastructure in Southeast Wisconsin.

"Many of these projects use specialty steel, which is not produced in enough quantity in the United States. So any type of infrastructure reform is going to be really delayed," Sensenbrenner said.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-WI, said it's not just about retaliation tariffs. He's concerned Wisconsin manufacturers will have a tough time paying an increased price for specialty steel, which is not available to purchase domestically.

"Industries that use steel will pay a price," Grothman said. "There are different types of steel. And there are some types of steel that you can't find in the United States."

Web Extra: Grothman on Tariffs from CBS 58 News on Vimeo.

Senator Ron Johnson, R-WI, said he's concerned enough, that he is looking into measures to take away the presidents power to impose tariffs without approval from Congress.

"We're taking a look at that carefully about to try to reclaim some of those constitutional powers that really should reside within Congress. Something like an approval process, where if the President tries to enact a tariff like this, it would need to come to Congress for final approval."

Johnson said he hopes to have a way to minimize the effect on American businesses by the time the 15 days are over.

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