We need to restore the $800 deminimis exemption and cap tariffs on low value imports at 25%. Right now, every surprise duty, sometimes as high as 145% on a $20 order of notebooks or clothing turns my carefully planned budget upside down. As a high school student balancing part time work and school, I can’t afford unpredictable fees that force me to choose between essentials and opportunities to learn and grow.

This change isn't just about me. Families living paycheck to paycheck face impossible decisions: pay a customs fee on a child's winter coat or cover the electric bill. Seniors on fixed incomes and people with disabilities who often rely on home delivery for health supplies are hit hardest when smaller parcel tariffs suddenly balloon their costs. These hidden charges punish those least able to absorb them.

In our schools, hidden import fees deepen inequalities. Students who can’t afford sudden surcharges fall behind in class, skip field trips, or forgot basic supplies. Social pressures around clothing and gear magnify the pain, eroding confidence and sense of belonging. Trade policies should level the playing field, not widen the gap between those with means and those without.

Lawmakers must act now: reinstate the $800 deminimis exemption and cap low value import duties at 25%. This targeted fix will restore fairness and predictability, protect vulnerable budgets, and ensure that every student, family, and senior can access the basics without hidden penalties. It’s a simple, essential step toward trade rules that serve the people, not punish them.