U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mark Warner (D-VA), introduced the Small Business RELIEF Act to exempt small businesses from global baseline and reciprocal tariffs and to provide refunds to the small businesses that were forced to pay them.

On Aug. 29, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs were illegal, setting the stage for small businesses to receive relief from the crushing “Liberation Day” tariffs. The Supreme Court agreed to consider whether these tariffs are legal and will hear the case in November. However, the tariffs will remain in place until the Supreme Court makes a decision.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they are especially vulnerable to President Trump’s tariff policies that are suffocating our economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Millions of small businesses are already struggling to keep up with rising costs. That’s why I will keep fighting to push back against these reckless tariffs, so every small business has the resources and stability it needs to thrive.”

The senators introduced the legislation as U.S. consumers experience the highest overall tariff rate since 1934, and a recent survey found that 30% of small business owners plan to increase their prices.

“Small businesses are feeling the brunt of the Trump administration’s economic carnage,” said Schumer. “Tariffs are raising costs, pushing away tourists, slowing down manufacturing, and forcing many businesses to close their doors altogether. Trump’s disastrous economic policy must be stopped, and Congress must pass the Small Business RELIEF Act to protect our economy and small businesses across the country.”