Diane S. Sykes: “Today, I rise to lift up the voice of Julie Robbins, a small business owner from Akron, Ohio, who is sounding the alarm…”

“Today, I rise to lift up the voice of Julie Robbins, a small business owner from Akron, Ohio, who is sounding the alarm on behalf of hardworking Americans across the country. EarthQuaker Devices is a homegrown success story in downtown Akron, located in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. They manufacture guitar effect pedals, which are sold across the world, and everything from design to assembly is done right here in the United States. EarthQuaker Devices employs 34 workers and offers premium health insurance, paid sick leave, a 401(k) match, and competitive wages. In 2019, they were recognized as the SBA Exporter of the Year. In 2022, after decades of success, they invested in a state-of-the-art automated production line. This is what American manufacturing should look like, and it is the kind of manufacturing that helped build the middle class in Ohio and across the heartland. When we talk about supporting American businesses, EarthQuaker is who we should be talking about, and that is why I am talking about them today. Today, they are facing devastating consequences. Mr. Speaker, you may ask why. It is because of reckless tariff policies.”