Ranking Member Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts hosted a virtual briefing for small business owners on March 19 to discuss the process of obtaining refunds following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Markey was joined by Matt Platkin, former Attorney General of New Jersey, who is leading legal efforts in the Court of International Trade to secure tariff refunds for small businesses.
The issue is significant for many small businesses that have faced financial strain due to these tariffs. The recent court order requires the Trump administration to refund approximately $166 billion collected in tariff taxes. However, Markey said that instead of providing automatic refunds, the administration plans to require businesses to submit documentation through a new process. "This is unacceptable," Markey said. "I have been calling on the Trump administration to create an automatic system since August of last year. We will not aid Trump’s reckless tariff agenda—an agenda that has turned Main Street into Pain Street. I will keep holding this administration’s feet to the fire, pushing them to provide refunds to small businesses immediately and automatically."
Platkin explained that his firm, along with Democracy Defenders Fund, is representing Busy Baby, a Minnesota-based company affected by these tariffs. He said, "Senator Markey has been on the forefront in this fight, especially for small businesses, since Liberation Day." Platkin emphasized that their goal is ensuring small business voices are heard as relief is ordered and refund processes are developed.
During the briefing, Platkin outlined steps for small businesses: register for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal and CBP Automated Clearinghouse (ACH), monitor announcements from Customs and Border Protection about required documentation, and be aware of deadlines related to protesting liquidated tariffs under IEEPA.
Markey has taken several actions over recent months regarding this issue—including sending letters urging large retailers and shippers to pass refunds on to consumers and introducing legislation such as the Small Business Liberation 2.0 Act and Tariff Refund Act of 2026 with other Senate leaders.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee plays a role in supporting informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities according to its official website. The committee also offers Congress comprehensive policy options on federal budget components according to its official website, features Lindsey Graham as chairman and Jeff Merkley as ranking member according to its official website, contributes via resolutions and reconciliation instructions according to its official website, was established through legislation in 1974 according to its official website, and provides nonpartisan budgetary analysis through oversight of the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website.
Looking ahead, both Markey and Platkin indicated they would continue advocating for an automatic refund process so that small businesses can recover funds more efficiently.
