In response to a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential tariff authority, U.S. Reps. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., and Steven Horsford, D-Nev., have introduced legislation to require automatic refunds for businesses that paid tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The Supreme Court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose broad-based tariffs. However, current law does not provide an automatic refund mechanism for businesses that already paid those duties. Without congressional action, affected businesses could face prolonged litigation or administrative uncertainty in attempting to recover funds.
To address that gap, Bynum and Horsford introduced the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses Act, known as the RELIEF Act. The bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund tariffs and customs duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since Jan. 1, 2025.
“Throughout his term, President Trump has enacted reckless, misguided, and harmful tariffs – our small business shouldn’t have to pay the price for his incompetence,” said Rep. Bynum. “This bill will make our small businesses whole by refunding their needlessly high tariffs. It’s past time this Administration starts putting the American people first.”
Rep. Horsford said the ruling underscores the need to return the funds promptly.
“When the government takes money without proper authority, it doesn’t get to keep it,” said Rep. Horsford. “These blanket tariffs drove up prices, squeezed small businesses, and made everyday life more expensive for working people. The Supreme Court has now made clear the law used to impose them did not authorize that action. It’s time to return the money and begin repairing the damage by this reckless trade policy.”
Under the legislation, Customs and Border Protection would be required to refund covered tariffs within 90 days of enactment. The measure applies to tariffs collected on or after Jan. 1, 2025, and eliminates the need for individual applications or formal protests by importers.
The bill directs the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to liquidate or reliquidate entries and issue refunds automatically, without requiring businesses to file claims.
Supporters argue the proposal is especially critical for small and independent businesses that may lack the financial resources to pursue lengthy legal challenges. While large corporations may be able to seek recovery through litigation, smaller businesses could face significant barriers without congressional intervention.
Bynum has previously criticized the administration’s tariff policies, arguing they have contributed to higher costs for families and businesses. In March 2025, Bynum introduced the Protecting Families From Inflation Act, which would require the Federal Reserve to examine the impact of tariffs on inflation affecting consumers and small businesses.
The RELIEF Act has been referred to committee for consideration.
