AFP Urges Support of Bill to Make PPE More Accessible

Oct 6, 2020 by AFP

ARLINGTON, Va.—Americans for Prosperity (AFP) on Tuesday announced support for the Stop PPE Taxes Act, a bipartisan effort introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey, to suspend tariffs on personal protective equipment through the end of 2022.

AFP’s Chief Government Affairs Officer Brent Gardner issued the following statement:

“In a time of crisis, our leaders should be doing everything possible to remove barriers which diminish ease of access to those things that will keep us safe, preserve our livelihoods, and save American lives. With COVID-19 still looming and flu season fast approaching, we applaud Senator Toomey for introducing this measure to correct misguided policies which would impose tariffs on goods so directly linked to the wellbeing of American families and workers during these unprecedented times. At its core, international trade helps Americans access affordable goods that enhance their quality of life, and we urge Congress to quickly take up and pass this bill for the sake of Americans everywhere.”

Background:

Since 2018, AFP has engaged a broad coalition of activists, legislators, workers, and business owners in support of better trade policy through its Trade Builds America project.

The “Stop PPE Taxes Act of 2020,” (S. 4497) was introduced Aug. 6, 2020 by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and cosponsored by Sen. Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.). It would suspend through Dec. 31, 2022 all import tariffs on personal protective equipment (PPE) and inputs required in their manufacture.