Wine  Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay

February 22, 2026 - FRESNO, Calif. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after learning the news of the Supreme Court's ruling on President Trump's tariffs. 

"Today's decision by the Supreme Court reaffirms the Constitution and the separation of powers that are meant to guide this nation. The Court made clear that the President exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and does not have unilateral power to impose sweeping tariffs. Trade authority resides with Congress, and this ruling is a reminder that no one — not even the President — is above the law.
 

Here in the Central Valley, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy, the real-world harm has been deep and widespread. California agriculture represents an estimated $24 billion industry, and on-again, off-again tariffs have thrown supply chains into disarray, raised costs for producers, and heightened uncertainty for family farmers who already operate on razor-thin margins.
 

Markets need stability and predictability — not the chaos created by ad-hoc trade policy that can change at the stroke of a pen. These tariffs are a tax on American consumers, pushing up prices on everyday goods and creating ripple effects throughout the economy. As I have always said, food security is national security, and disrupting our agricultural economy weakens both.
 

Now we must determine where we go from here. This ruling provides a chance to restore balance and clarity, but it also highlights how little direction Congress has provided on trade. Instead of standing by while executive actions fill a vacuum, Congress needs to step up, take responsibility, and set clear, thoughtful trade policy for the benefit of American workers and families. The American people deserve more than half-measures and reactive policymaking — they deserve leadership and accountability."

Source: Congressman Jim Costa