Key Republican senator says tariff plan flawed
AP
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The Republican head of a key Senate committee says that President Donald Trump's proposal to use new tariffs on Mexican goods to pressure Mexico to slow the flow of migrants to the border is a flawed strategy.

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President Donald Trump speaks during the 2019 United States Air Force Academy Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium, Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Photo: AP)

US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa said late Thursday: "Trade policy and border security are separate issues."

Grassley, whose committee would deal with a proposed trade agreement involving Mexico, said: "This is a misuse of presidential tariff authority and counter to congressional intent." He said the proposal "would seriously jeopardize passage" of a new trade deal involving Mexico, the US and Canada.

He urged the president to consider other options.