Welch pushed for Trump to issue refunds after the Supreme Court blocked his reckless, global tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today urged Vermont small businesses to apply for a refund from the U.S. government for President Trump’s reckless and illegal global tariffs.
The new refund program became available to businesses after a February ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Senator Welch pushed President Trump to issue refunds after the ruling.
Senator Welch released the following statement:
“I hope these refunds provide Vermont small businesses some relief from President Trump’s reckless trade war. This is a step in the right direction, but it still won’t do enough to help our Main Streets, put money back in the pockets of hardworking Vermonters, or provide more consistency for businesses, farmers, and consumers alike,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump has only doubled down on issuing tariffs after the Supreme Court ruled against him. I have fought these tariffs from the president’s first illegal executive order, and I will continue to demand that this administration stops any and all efforts to impose new tariffs.
“I urge Vermont businesses to work quickly and submit their refund materials. They are owed this money—and more—for the pain caused by the Trump trade war,” Welch concluded.
Senator Welch is a champion for Vermont’s small businesses, farmers, and consumers. He has led and cosponsored several bills to block President Trump’s tariffs and reassert Congress’ trade and taxation authorities.
Senator Welch is a proud original cosponsor of the bipartisan Trade Review Act, legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. He is the lead sponsor of the CANADA Act, bipartisan legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. The Senator also supported bipartisan legislation to restrict the executive branch’s authority to impose tariffs through the IEEPA for Trump’s Brazil tariffs, Canada tariffs, and April 2nd Global tariffs; all of these measures passed the Senate with bipartisan support.
The Senator has hosted roundtables in Williston, Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian businesses impacted by the trade war.
Vermont businesses should apply for a refund by logging into the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which can be accessed through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Refunds are expected to be issued within 60-90 days, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Learn more here.
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