Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation that would cancel the administration's latest global and Canadian tariffs and require refunds for duties already collected under the measures.
The End Trump's Tariff Tax Act targets a 12.5% global tariff and a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. Schumer said the bill would also repeal the legal authorities used to impose them.
Bill challenges tariff policy
The New York senator argued that import taxes are raising costs for households and businesses. His office said an average family could pay nearly $2,000 more because of the tariff policy, a figure presented by supporters of the legislation.
Schumer also cited an analysis that found Americans bear 96% of tariff costs. Economists generally describe tariffs as taxes paid by importers, though the eventual cost can be divided among companies, workers and consumers.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand joined the bill and said New York families and businesses should not carry the cost of the administration's trade strategy. Other Democratic senators also signed on as co-sponsors.
Refunds and repeal
The measure would direct the federal government to return money collected under the targeted tariffs. It would also prevent the same authorities from being used to restore those duties.
Schumer pointed to earlier Senate votes opposing some tariffs and to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down previous tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The proposal faces an uncertain path in Congress. The announcement did not identify Republican co-sponsors or a scheduled floor vote.
Supporters said the legislation would provide immediate relief to importers and consumers. They also argued that Congress should take back a larger role in setting trade policy.
The administration has defended tariffs as a tool to negotiate trade terms and protect domestic industries. The Democratic release did not include a White House response to the new bill.
For New York companies, the effects would vary by supply chain and product. Businesses that directly import covered goods would be most likely to see an immediate change if the tariffs were revoked.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.