The FDRA claims "help (to) offset the growing effects of the coronavirus is having on shoe companies and workers. The White House can enact a duty freeze by proclamation - it does not need Congressional approval".

FDRA President and CEO Matt Priest stated on this latest effort: “This is yet another innovative way FDRA represents the industry. While people think only of the payroll tax - which must pass Congress - we encourage the President to take immediate action to help our industry with a duty freeze. We will use any tool possible to during this difficult time to help the footwear industry and our workers". 

In the letter, FDRA stated the payroll tax cut "would provide an additional 250 US dollars each month to shoe store employees across the country in a time of growing need. He went further in asking the White House to put a "freeze on footwear duties in order to reduce higher costs on American families.” 

FDRA estimated that in 2020 "shoe duties will increase costs at the cash register by nearly 12 billion US dollars just on shoes alone”. The association calculated this number based on how much the industry is estimated to pay in footwear tariffs in 2020, which then results in higher costs after distribution, warehouse, marketing, and retail labour costs are laid on top before it reaches the consumer.