A new federal bill would give people in Connecticut and nationwide tariff rebates, which would use the estimated $166 billion collected from tariffs the Supreme Court struck down to reimburse taxpayers.

The goal is to provide relief from high everyday costs on consumer goods.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the bill’s sponsor, said the refunds should prioritize everyday Americans.

"The bill prohibits companies from receiving refunds for paying out dividends or conducting stock buybacks until they have provided relief to consumers," DeLauro explained. "Because my view is that consumers and small businesses need to come before the wealthy shareholders."

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Donald Trump is using other laws to implement tariffs. The Yale Budget Lab noted tariffs will cost consumers in Connecticut and nationwide $572 initially and are expected to grow to more than $1,100 as they are continually renewed. The cost increases come as Connecticut sees a more than 15% increase in gas prices from the war in Iran.

Many companies have raised prices to account for new tariffs. Congressional lawmakers have also introduced the No Gouge Act, which DeLauro stressed reduces the sting of companies passing costs on to consumers.

"It prohibits price gouging by the largest corporations, protects small businesses," DeLauro outlined. "And it's got a methodology for enforcement, so it requires reporting on the impact of tariffs and the enforcement of the bill and the prices of consumer goods."

Data from the Tax Foundation show the previous tariffs caused a 7% price increase on imported retail goods.

Source: Public News Service