Our economy needs CPR: A ‘Coalition to Prevent Recession’

President Trump’s ill-considered blanket tariffs, subsequent pause, and flip-flopping on tariff exceptions have sent the U.S. economy into shock. Even with the potential delay before further tariffs, we need immediate action to bring the patient back to life. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, this requires a bipartisan “coalition to prevent recession” or what I’m calling CPR.

The president imposed his shock therapy by declaring a false emergency, which has enabled him to evade Congress and unilaterally increase tariffs to levels unseen since the Great Depression. Even though President Trump announced a “pause” on some of his largest tariff increases, an increase to a 10% tariff rate for many of our closest friends and allies will remain in effect even during the 90-day delay until even more damaging duties come back into effect.

Many economists believe his policies and the enormous uncertainty they have sown are driving us into a recession at a time when dramatically declining stock markets have destroyed more than $11 trillion in global equity and investments, including retirement funds and college savings, since President Trump took office. We must reverse these damaging policies and restore economic stability before it’s too late. That’s why I’m helping to lead a congressional effort to end those tariffs, and I am urging my Republican colleagues to join our effort — particularly those from Illinois and our neighbors.

Midwestern families and businesses are especially vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs. Manufacturing and agriculture are the backbone of our economy, and both sectors are reeling from the consequences of these new tariffs. Just recently, Stellantis laid off 900 workers in Michigan and Indiana, citing the rising costs of imported materials. Similarly, Whirlpool Corp. announced Iowa’s largest layoffs of 2025, letting go a third of its workforce due to increased production costs. If we don’t change course quickly, we will see more of the same.

The impact of Trump’s tariffs on consumers has been swift and severe. Grocery prices are soaring, and goods once considered affordable are now out of reach for many. Avocado prices, for instance, are projected to rise by 15% due to tariffs on Mexican imports. And for those who enjoy their morning cup of coffee, prices are expected to begin rising as soon as this month because of tariffs on coffee beans.

These tariffs amount to the largest tax hike in nearly 60 years and JPMorgan estimates that American households could end up paying up to $4,200 more annually as a direct result of Trump’s tariff policies. This kind of financial pressure is unsustainable for working families already struggling to make ends meet even before trading partners pursue countermeasures that could further weaken our economy and jeopardize jobs.

Instead of doubling down on this failed strategy, we need to build bridges with our trading partners and allies to minimize risks to the U.S. economy. Repealing the untargeted, blanket tariffs and tax hikes will immediately relieve cost pressures, boost consumer confidence and help businesses plan for the future. We cannot afford to gamble with the livelihoods of millions of Americans.

Once we end this damaging trade war, we can turn our focus back on what truly strengthens our economy in the long term. That means investing in workforce development to upskill our workers, strengthening our manufacturing industrial base, expanding research and development, embracing innovations like quantum computing and the emerging green economy.

Studies show that every dollar invested in workforce training yields more than $6 in overall returns, while countries that invest heavily in R&D often see a significant boost in GDP growth. By fostering a skilled and resilient workforce while positioning the U.S. as a leader in emerging technologies, we can ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for generations to come.

It’s time for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to come together and save our ailing economy through CPR — a Coalition to Prevent Recession — by swiftly removing these tariffs. We owe it to our workers, our businesses and our future to make smart choices that grow our economy instead of embracing reckless tariffs that are quickly sending us into recession. It’s not too late for the resuscitation to begin.

• Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Schaumburg, represents Illinois’ 8th congressional district.