US Congressman-elect Amish Shah has pledged to push for a rollback of tariffs, restore Congress’ authority over trade duties and confront rising anti-Indian hostility, saying the current policies are hurting businesses and straining relations between Washington and New Delhi.
Speaking to a group of Indian journalists on Wednesday, Shah said reducing the cost of living would be among his priorities when he takes office. He also confirmed that he would join the Congressional India Caucus and work towards strengthening bilateral ties.
“Rolling back those tariffs, reasserting Congress’ authority over tariffs and taking it away from the White House will be a top priority as well,” he said.
Shah said Indian-American entrepreneurs had raised concerns about the impact of frequently changing tariffs on their businesses. He stressed that supporting small businesses across his Arizona district would be a key part of his agenda.
Illustrating the pressure on local businesses, he recalled a conversation with the owner of Pizza Heaven, a restaurant he regularly visits. Before election day, she told him that rising tomato prices were forcing her to increase prices because tomatoes were essential for making pizza sauce.
Shah said tariffs were contributing to higher costs for businesses and consumers, adding that India and the United States should build on their strategic and economic partnership. He described the two countries as democracies with considerable scope for deeper cooperation, arguing that trade disputes had created unnecessary friction.
Alongside trade, Shah identified healthcare, household expenses and Arizona’s water supply as immediate priorities.
He also voiced concern over what he described as a sharp rise in anti-Indian hostility over the past six months to a year, saying he had not witnessed anything comparable during his lifetime.
Shah said such hostility was particularly disturbing given the contributions of Indian Americans to business, healthcare and the wider economy. He also recalled derogatory remarks directed at students celebrating their football team, saying he could relate to their experience from his own student days at Northwestern University.
Calling on elected representatives to condemn such behaviour and support affected communities, Shah said lawmakers should explore legislative measures to strengthen security.
“Nobody should have to feel unsafe when they go to a place to worship,” he said.
On healthcare, Shah backed a public option that would allow Americans to buy into Medicare. He argued that the proposal could expand coverage, reduce private insurance premiums through greater competition and improve Medicare’s financial position.
Shah also pledged bipartisan cooperation, drawing on his experience of passing legislation in a Republican-controlled Arizona state legislature.
On the Iran war, he said Congress must reassert its constitutional authority, while calling for an end to the conflict, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and bringing down fuel prices.
Shah’s family has roots in Gujarat. His mother moved to Bombay as a child, while his paternal grandfather settled in Cochin and established a tea and spices business. Shah said he visited both cities during his childhood.
His mother came to the United States in 1969 after receiving sponsorship to study at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Shah cited his family’s journey as an example of the generosity and opportunities that helped shape his own life.
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