Davids Backs Bill to Ensure Any Tariff Refunds Reach Kansas Small Businesses, Families — Not Just Big Corporations

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for new legislation that would provide automatic refunds to small businesses and families forced to pay President Trump’s reckless tariffs. While large corporations can fight in court to reclaim their losses, most small businesses lack the resources to recover these payments — leaving them and their customers to bear the cost.

“Reckless tariffs are a direct tax on Kansas families, raising prices on groceries, gas, and everyday goods, and squeezing small businesses,” said Davids. “The Supreme Court has made clear that these tariffs were illegal, yet the Trump Administration continues to announce more. This new bill would ensure hardworking Kansans and small businesses actually get the refunds they deserve — not just the largest, wealthiest corporations. This is a necessary step to restore fairness, lower costs, and protect Kansas communities.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on her support for the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act

Trump’s tariff policies have hit Kansas hard, driving up costs for families and threatening small businesses and farmers. According to estimates, average American households will pay roughly $2,500 more this year because of these policies. Local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail have faced higher costs for imported goods, forcing some businesses to raise consumer prices, cut jobs, or close entirely.

While the Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal, the administration is still implementing them. Refunds are being discussed, but under the current system, small businesses often lack the resources to reclaim funds, while large corporations can pursue lengthy litigation to recover tariff payments.

The RELIEF Act would:

• Require automatic refunds for all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025 – so small businesses and families don’t have to wait years or hire lawyers to get back the money they were forced to pay.
• Ensure refunds are processed within 90 days of enactment – giving immediate relief to businesses struggling with higher costs and helping keep prices lower for everyday consumers.
• Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests – removing bureaucratic hurdles so small businesses and families can actually access the refunds without extra cost, confusion, or delay.

Davids has consistently pushed back on the President’s blanket tariffs and supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer who are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs. Most recently, she voted to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canada, which are raising costs for Americans.