Ranking Member Edward J. Markey called on April 20 for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create a simple, automatic process for refunding tariff payments and urged large retailers and shippers to return any refunds from Trump-era tariffs to consumers and small businesses. Markey's statement comes before the launch of CBP’s online Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system, which requires U.S. businesses to request refunds for tariffs that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court in February.
The issue affects many small businesses and families who paid these tariffs, with concerns that only large companies will benefit most under the current manual refund system. Markey said, “After more than a year, the Trump administration will begin issuing tariff refunds it illegally took from small businesses and the American people. But because of this Administration’s shortsighted decision to not issue automatic refunds, it will be big businesses that benefit the most.” He continued: “American small businesses and families deserve to get their money back with interest. Big businesses that get refunds need to get the money back to their customers; ‘everyday low prices’ is not the way to do it. There must be no further delay or complicated hoops to jump through.”
Markey has taken several steps over recent months in response to these tariffs, including writing letters urging both government agencies and major corporations like Amazon, FedEx, Wal-Mart, Costco, DHL, and UPS to ensure that any refunded amounts reach those originally affected by higher costs. The companies did not make firm commitments beyond legal requirements in their responses.
He also introduced legislation such as the Small Business Liberation 2.0 Act aimed at protecting small business owners from further economic harm related to Section 122 tariffs imposed by former President Trump. In February he co-sponsored the Tariff Refund Act of 2026 following a Supreme Court ruling against these tariffs.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee plays an important role in providing informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities according to its official website. The committee offers Congress policy options regarding federal budget components according to its official website and contributes through resolutions as well as reconciliation instructions according to its official website. Established under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 according to its official website, it provides nonpartisan analysis via oversight of the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Markey continues efforts for an equitable refund process while pushing for legislative solutions so future tariff policies do not disproportionately impact smaller enterprises.
