Bloomberg Talks: Rep. French Hill Talks Tariff Vote

Air Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Jonathan (Bloomberg)
Guest: Congressman French Hill (Republican, Arkansas)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Bloomberg Talks, Congressman French Hill discusses the high-stakes tariff vote in the House, USMCA trade agreements, the intersection of tariffs and consumer affordability, recent bipartisan legislative wins, and the ongoing atmosphere in Washington. The conversation highlights the balancing act between strategic U.S. trade policy and domestic economic pressures, and offers insight into the current dynamics between Congress and President Trump’s administration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tariff Vote and House Floor Dynamics

• House Republican Strategy (00:37–02:15)

  • French Hill voted against a measure to override President Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
  • Emphasized the importance of not ceding control of House proceedings to the Democratic Party.
  • Stressed the need for comprehensive trade policy discussions rather than ad hoc tariff votes.

  "Let's stick with the big picture here, which is growing America's exports, growing America's influence, using tariffs as a tool to change trade behavior of other nations."
  — Congressman French Hill (01:41)

• Mentioned the current USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) is up for its first five-year review this summer—an important strategic consideration.

2. USMCA Uncertainty & Trade with Canada and Mexico

• Concerns About President Trump's Stance (02:15–03:28)

  • Responding to reports that President Trump is privately musing about leaving USMCA, Hill contextualized this as part of negotiation tactics, not a real withdrawal threat.
  • Acknowledged areas still needing improvement (Canadian dairy and softwood lumber, automotive sector rules).

  "Let's face the reality that 30% of GDP in my home state of Arkansas is connected to cross border trade with Mexico and Canada. So the agreement is important."
  — Congressman French Hill (03:05)

  • Clarified that President Trump has not imposed new tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods, underlining adherence to the agreement.

3. Tariffs, Affordability, and Congressional Influence

• Balancing Trade and Cost of Living (03:28–05:24)

  • Hill discussed the tension between pushing foreign partners to change behaviors (especially China) and domestic affordability concerns.
  • Noted President Trump’s nuanced approach—rolling back tariffs strategically, especially on essentials or products not sourced domestically.

  "You don't want to burden the consumer as you're attempting to change trade policies in other countries or compel them to follow America's lead on transnational drug cartel countering."
  — Congressman French Hill (04:33)

  • Emphasized supply-side measures for affordability, referencing the “big beautiful bill” signed by President Trump offering substantial household savings (e.g., increased child tax credit, tax breaks for seniors).

  "We expect some $10,000 in benefit to a family of four from the increased child tax credit, the lower taxes on tips, the use of the standard deduction, lower taxes on senior Social Security."
  — Congressman French Hill (04:52)

4. Government Shutdown and Homeland Security Operations

• Potential for Government Shutdown (05:24–06:16)
  • Addressed concerns about a looming government shutdown and its impact on federal operations like TSA.
  • Recalled the negative impact of previous shutdowns, stressing the need for consistent funding of Homeland Security.
  • Cited positive reforms under President Trump in ICE and CBP operations, including use of body cams for transparency.

5. Bipartisan Legislative Achievements

• 21st Century Housing Act & Economic Policy (06:16–07:22)

  • Highlighted bipartisan support for significant economic policies, especially in housing, banking, and digital assets.
  • Detailed efforts to lower regulatory burdens on community banks, support crowdfunding, and expand investment opportunities.
  • Points to real legislative action and support across the aisle despite broader partisan tensions.

  "That shows that Republicans and Democrats when it comes to economic policy can get on the same page and pass legislation...that will make people's lives better."
  — Congressman French Hill (06:52)

6. Atmosphere in Washington & Committee Hearings

• Capitol Hill Tensions & Process (07:22–07:45)

  • Lighthearted reflection on the “wild” nature of recent committee hearings.
  • Emphasized the constructive value of spirited public debate among elected representatives.

  "That's what happens on Capitol Hill. We bring the public and their elected representatives together to try to find solutions. And it can get spicy sometimes."
  — Congressman French Hill (07:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Let's stick with the big picture here...using tariffs as a tool to change trade behavior of other nations. Number one on that list, of course, is China."
  — Rep. French Hill (01:41)

• "Let's face the reality that 30% of GDP in my home state of Arkansas is connected to cross border trade with Mexico and Canada."
  — Rep. French Hill (03:05)

• "We expect some $10,000 in benefit to a family of four from the increased child tax credit..."
  — Rep. French Hill (04:52)

• "That was a bad 42 days. That's not how to run the government."
  — Rep. French Hill, on government shutdowns (05:43)

• "We bring the public and their elected representatives together to try to find solutions. And it can get spicy sometimes."
  — Rep. French Hill (07:35)

Important Timestamps

• Tariff Vote Explanation: 01:03–02:15
• USMCA Concerns Addressed: 02:15–03:28
• Balancing Tariffs & Affordability: 03:28–05:24
• Shutdown & Homeland Security: 05:24–06:16
• Bipartisan Housing Act Passage: 06:16–07:22
• Reflections on Committee Hearings: 07:22–07:45

This episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into the complexities of trade policy, legislative strategy, and bipartisan cooperation in Congress, through the perspective and direct commentary of Congressman French Hill.