Bynum introduces bill for small business refunds after Trump admin’s ‘reckless’ tariffs

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Democratic Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) introduced a bill on Friday aiming to help small businesses impacted by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Alongside Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04), Bynum introduced the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act.

The bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to automatically refund tariffs and customs duties collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act since Jan. 1, 2025.

The bill comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the IEEPA in a lawsuit led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that the act does not authorize the president to impose sweeping tariffs.

In response to the ruling, Bynum and Horsford introduced their bill in hopes of helping small business owners.

In a press release announcing the RELIEF Act, Bynum explained current law offers no automatic refund for businesses impacted by the tariffs. Bynum argues that without congressional action, businesses that paid tariffs under IEEPA could face prolonged litigation or uncertainty while trying to recover business funds.

While large corporations might be able to recover tariff payments through years of litigation, small businesses may not have resources to do so, the lawmakers said.

Under the RELIEF Act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection would be required to refund businesses within 90 days of the bill becoming law, and according to Bynum and Horsford, the measure would eliminate the need to individual refund applications or formal protests.

“Throughout his term, President Trump has enacted reckless, misguided, and harmful tariffs – our small business shouldn’t have to pay the price for his incompetence,” said Rep. Bynum. “This bill will make our small businesses whole by refunding their needlessly high tariffs. It’s past time this Administration starts putting the American people first."

“When the government takes money without proper authority, it doesn’t get to keep it,” added Rep. Horsford. “These blanket tariffs drove up prices, squeezed small businesses, and made everyday life more expensive for working people. The Supreme Court has now made clear the law used to impose them did not authorize that action. It’s time to return the money and begin repairing the damage by this reckless trade policy.”

In a statement shared with KOIN 6 News on Monday, a CBP spokesperson said, “CBP is aware of the court’s ruling and is ready to implement current and any forthcoming executive actions as directed by the President."