Delaware’s Congresswoman Stands Against Tariffs that Harm Delaware Families

Washington, D.C. — Delaware’s Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Representative Kelly Morrison (MN03) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) led 40 of their colleagues in calling on the Trump-Vance Administration to exempt essential child care items from their tariffs that are raising costs for families already struggling to afford basic necessities. 

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the lawmakers voiced serious concerns that the Administration’s sweeping tariffs on goods imported from Canada, Mexico, and China would drive up prices on critical products for infants and toddlers—including car seats, highchairs, strollers, and cribs.

“These aren’t luxury goods—they’re basic safety items that every parent needs,” said Rep. McBride. “At a time when families are already facing rising costs, we should be working to ease the financial pressures on parents—not making it more expensive to care for their children. This is about protecting kids, supporting working families, and making sure every baby has what they need to grow and thrive.”

Families with young children already spend roughly $20,000 in the first year of a child’s life, including nearly $1,000 on baby safety gear alone. Tariffs on essentials like highchairs, cribs, strollers, and car seats – which are required by law – will only make it harder for parents to afford the basics.

In the letter, lawmakers urged Secretary Lutnick to work with President Trump to either take executive action or establish a waiver process to exempt these essential goods. The members also highlighted a 2018 decision by the first Trump Administration to exclude many baby safety products from previous tariffs, calling on the current administration to follow that precedent and deliver on its promise to lower costs for American families.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between financial stability and their children’s safety,” McBride added. “This is a moment to show that we’re serious about building a pro-family economy — one that lifts up parents, reduces costs, and ensures every child has a healthy start.”

Read the full letter here.

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