Ranking Member Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts held a virtual briefing for small business owners on March 19 to discuss the status of tariff 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 refunds for small businesses affected by these tariffs.
The issue is significant for many small businesses that have faced financial strain due to what were ruled illegal tariff taxes. The recent court order requires the Trump administration to refund approximately $166 billion collected through these tariffs. However, Markey said that instead of providing automatic refunds, the administration plans to require small businesses to submit documentation and register for refunds, which he called “unacceptable.” He added, “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 and Democracy Defenders Fund are suing U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Trump administration on behalf of Busy Baby, a Minnesota-based company nearly pushed into financial ruin by these tariffs. Platkin said, “Senator Markey has been on the forefront in this fight, especially for small businesses, since Liberation Day… The administration should now focus on getting small businesses back their money, growing the economy, and letting small businesses do what they do best.” He advised attendees to register with the Automated Commercial Environment portal and Automated Clearinghouse as checks would not be issued for refunds.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee plays a role in supporting informed fiscal decisions at a national level according to its official website. The committee also offers Congress policy options related to federal budget components according to its official website, contributes through resolutions and reconciliation instructions according to its official website, provides nonpartisan budgetary analysis via oversight of the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website, and was established under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 according to its official website. Lindsey Graham serves as chairman while Jeff Merkley is ranking member according to its official website.
Markey has taken several steps over recent months including introducing legislation such as the Tariff Refund Act of 2026 with other Senate leaders requiring full refunds after the Supreme Court ruling. He has also urged large retailers and shippers in letters sent last week to pass any received tariff refunds along directly to consumers and smaller companies impacted by previous policies.
Looking ahead, both Markey and Platkin emphasized ongoing vigilance as procedures are developed for distributing refunds. They encouraged continued engagement from business owners with congressional leaders as well as attention toward updates from Customs and Border Protection.
