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Former U.S. Congressman Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, shown in August 2018 file photo. (Christopher Dolan/Staff Photographer)

In Congress, former Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta was supportive of President Donald Trump’s blunt approach to trade.

Now, the Hazleton Republican is calling for more “scalpel-like” tactics as he advocates on behalf of a coalition of Italian companies that sell wine, cheese, pasta and other products in the U.S. Those companies could face steep tariffs as a result of the latest front in the Trump administration’s trade war.

Why are imported Italian foods in the trade cross-hairs? It’s a side effect of a long-standing fight between the U.S. and the European Union over subsides for airplane manufacturers. Both sides are threatening tariffs, and the World Trade Organization now must sort out the matter.

Barletta, the descendant of Italian immigrants, says Italy and the U.S. have a long friendship, and that the trade dispute could endanger that relationship.

"While I understand the president’s position on tariffs, Italy shouldn’t be punished for the actions of other European countries,” Barletta said in a statement announcing his role with the newly created American Italian Food Coalition, which represents more than 450 Italian companies and manufacturers.

Barletta represented a Luzerne County-based district from 2011 until January. At Trump’s urging, he attempted to unseat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in last year’s election instead of seeking another term in the U.S. House.

Since leaving office, Barletta also has said he plans to use his Leaders Only Unite political action committee to focus on immigration and border security, one of his marquee issues while in public office.