On. Feb. 20, U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) announced that she is helping lead new federal legislation that would guarantee automatic refunds to small businesses that were impacted by the Trump Administration’s tariffs, which were just ruled illegal by the Supreme Court earlier this morning.

“The Supreme Court finally ruled what we all knew to be true: these tariff taxes are illegal. Over the past year, President Trump has cost families $1,200 and forced small businesses to pay roughly $200 billion in tariffs – now it’s time for the President to pay them back,” Friedman said. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead the RELIEF Act, which will make sure that America’s small businesses are paid back every single cent that was taken from them by Trump’s illegal tariffs.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated that Trump’s tariff policies cost America’s small businesses about $200 billion this past year. The Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses Act, or the RELIEF Act, would provide these businesses with immediate relief. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Steven Horsford (Nevada) and Janelle Bynum (Oregon), and Friedman is an original cosponsor.

The RELIEF Act would apply to all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025; set a strict timeline for refunds of 90 days after enactment; and cut red tape in the application process for small and independent businesses.