A dire warning from American legislators – that newspapers in their home states are in danger of cutting coverage – or going out of business – if the U.S. maintains tariffs on Canadian newsprint.

The Trump administration recently ordered the tariffs – responding to a complaint from a paper producer in Washington state – that argues government subsidies are allowing Canadian competitors to sell their product at unfairly low prices.

About a dozen members of Congress told a United States International Trade Commission hearing today – that the tariffs should not be made permanent.

And Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine – says the tariffs are speeding the decline of an industry that plays an important role in society.