Latest Consumer Price Index data shows tariff burden shifting to consumers as Steil, Van Orden stay silent after voting to support tariffs
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin families are bearing the brunt of rising costs as Republican-backed tariffs drive up prices on everyday goods, according to new federal data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows consumer prices rising thanks to expanded tariffs that economists say are increasingly passed through to consumers. According to the New York Times, “‘Core’ C.P.I., which is closely watched by the central bank, jumped 0.3 percent over the course of the month, or 3.1 percent on a year-over-year basis. That is one of the largest monthly increases so far this year and represents the fastest annual pace in five months.”
Today’s report follows a Goldman Sachs analysis detailing how the burden of tariffs is being passed onto consumers. The report found that while businesses initially absorbed some tariff costs, consumers could soon shoulder 67% of the burden—up from 22% earlier this year–as tariffs continue to be implemented or expanded.
Both Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted multiple times to support these tariff policies and have remained silent as costs continue to increase for Wisconsin families.
“Wisconsin families are getting hit twice—first with higher prices at the store thanks to Trump’s tariffs, then with major cuts to health care and food that will drive up their costs—allto pay for tax breaks for the wealthy,”said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Steil and Van Orden need to explain to their constituents why they’re supporting policies that pick their pockets.”
