Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona’s 4th Congressional District spoke on the House floor this week, criticizing Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans for not addressing what he described as President Donald Trump’s misuse of tariff powers. Stanton pointed to a recent analysis indicating that prices for popular holiday gifts have increased by 26 percent due to these tariffs.
“Too many Arizona families are getting squeezed, and their paychecks are buying less and less this holiday season,” Stanton said during his remarks. “And until Congress stands up to President Trump and his illegal, reckless tariffs, things won’t get better.”
According to data from Groundwork Collaborative cited by Stanton, families are paying more than last year for common holiday items: toys have risen by 17 percent, clothing by 20 percent, electronics by 34 percent, and home and kitchen gifts by 38 percent.
Stanton also referenced polling from Data for Progress showing that over two-thirds of voters feel stressed about affording holiday expenses. The poll found that more than 40 percent of families are purchasing fewer gifts, nearly one-third are giving presents to fewer people, and over one in ten are using savings to cover costs.
“Enough is enough,” Stanton added. “House Republicans need to stand up for their constituents, stand up to President Trump, and put an end to this tax on American families.”
Stanton has recently demonstrated electoral strength in his district. In the 2024 general election, he defeated Kelly Cooper with 52.7% of the vote compared to Cooper’s 45.5%. He also won against Cooper in the previous cycle in 2022 with a margin of 56% to 43.1%.
More information can be found at https://stanton.house.gov/2025/12/stanton-on-house-floor-arizona-families-are-paying-the-price-for-trump-tariffs-this-holiday-season
