Americans could get $1,200 tariff rebate checks: Who qualifies for new bill

The move follows a major court ruling United States Supreme Courtwhich knocks out most Donald Trumptariff policy. In response, the government has been developing plans to return about $166 billion in tariff revenue to importers who paid duties directly. However, lawmakers said ordinary Americans also deserve relief because they end up bearing the higher costs.

Also read: The end of dollar dominance?

“The president may call the affordability crisis a ‘hoax,’ but working-class people are feeling it every time they buy groceries or daily necessities,” Heinrich said in a statement, adding that the legislation aims to return money “to the people who paid for it.”

Economic data supports the argument that consumers are shouldering much of the burden. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that “the majority” of the tariff costs fell on U.S. businesses and households, with households estimated to have paid an average of $1,745 in tariffs.

Also read: Why Trump’s tariffs were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court: Four explanations

Both measures are still under consideration and will need congressional approval to become law.