5 days ago
Nevada businesses hit by tourism drop from tariffs
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said it is currently crunch time for the National Park Service, small businesses, and the travel industry in Nevada.
Cortez Masto held a press conference Thursday at Wetlands Park to discuss the decline in tourism and funding, which she attributes to the Trump Administration's tariffs.
'We are seeing a negative impact on families across the state. From food to energy, healthcare costs, clothing, you name it,' Senator Cortez Masto added.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the Administration is keeping Americans from being taken advantage of.
'The President's trade policy will continue, and we will comply with the courts' orders,' Leavitt shared.
As for outdoor recreation, places like Lake Mead and Red Rock, among others, draw $8.1 billion to Nevada's economy annually.
Mandi Elliott, with Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition, said it is hurting businesses like rental company Basecamp Outdoor Gear, which caters to travelers and their outdoor belongings.
'The drop in tourism is affecting their bottom line, and with the tariff increase, there's a lot of uncertainty for their small business. It's not as simple to just buy all your materials from the U.S. The cost is extreme, and most can't keep up,' Elliott added.
On Thursday, a federal appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump's tariffs can continue until a final ruling is made.
This counteracts a ruling a day earlier from the court of international trade that blocked the tariffs.
The appeals court said the President can levy tariffs using the emergency powers he declared earlier this year.
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