Squawk Pod China Trade Pressure & TSA Workers Miss First Paycheck 3/13/26
8 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Robert Frank, CNBC business reporter explaining Democratic tax proposals. Jeh Johnson, former DHS secretary on TSA pay and national security risks. Jamieson Greer, USTR leading U.S.-China trade probes and talks. They discuss U.S.-China trade pressure, new Section 301 investigations, how the Iran conflict affects trade and energy, and the impact of DHS funding fights on TSA staffing and travel.
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Attack In Dubai Hits Financial District
- Dan Murphy reports a drone/missile incident hit Dubai's financial district causing facade damage but no injuries, prompting banks to work from home amid Iran's threats to target economic centers.
- He notes Iran laying mines in Strait of Hormuz and oil market risk premiums remain elevated.
USTR Says Trade With China Is More Balanced
- USTR Jamieson Greer says U.S.-China trade has become more balanced with goods imports down 30% and January imports at their lowest since 2004.
- He frames Section 301 investigations as a fast, months‑long tool to address subsidies, excess capacity, and forced labor and potentially impose tariffs if unresolved.
Pass Tariff Refunds To Workers
- Greer suggests importers who receive refunded tariff money should pass it to workers as bonuses or raises to honor the tariffs' intent.
- He frames the tariffs' purpose as reshoring and benefiting American workers, urging companies to share windfalls.