Senators led by Mark Kelly are pushing for small business relief in the wake of tariffs that have left many feeling the squeeze. The proposed Small Business RELIEF Act sets its sights on exempting small businesses from the global tariffs instituted by the Trump administration and aims to refund those that have already been affected. A key element of the bill would require reimbursing small businesses within 90 days post-enactment for tariffs paid previously, as reported by the Senator's Office.
The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the looming decision from the Supreme Court on the legality of "Liberation Day" tariffs, which are still in place despite a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruling that deemed them illegal. The Trump administration has appealed the decision, and with the Supreme Court case set for November, small businesses find themselves in a precarious waiting game. Kelly emphasized this point, stating, "Arizona’s small businesses shouldn’t be collateral damage in Trump’s reckless trade war."
The bill is not just about exemptions but is a move to rectify the damages suffered. As Senator Edward J. Markey put it, the act "would not only exempt small businesses from the reckless, wide-sweeping reciprocal and global baseline tariffs, but importantly will also require the President to give refunds to small businesses who have paid these tariffs within 90 days of enactment," as stated by the Senator's Office.
Senators across the board are backing the bill, with Chuck Schumer criticizing the tariffs for "raising costs, pushing away tourists, slowing down manufacturing, and forcing many businesses to close their doors altogether." This resonates with the experiences of small business owners like those of Tacos Huicho, whom Senator Kelly met with, discussing firsthand how Trump's tariffs have driven up prices and created supply chain delays.
Small business advocacy groups are backing the legislation, citing tariffs and abrupt policy shifts as major strains. Todd McCracken of the National Small Business Association pointed to the sector’s fragility, while Shaundell Newsome of Small Business for America’s Future noted ongoing financial and operational challenges. Richard Trent of Main Street Alliance called for refunds and a level playing field, arguing small businesses have long faced unfair trade policies, the Senator's Office noted.
