Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, proposing to send at least $600 rebate checks to American adults and dependent children, funded by tariff revenue from President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The bill, inspired by Trump’s suggestion of a “little rebate” due to robust tariff collections, aims to provide a family of four with up to $2,400 to offset rising costs from tariffs. Tariff revenue has been significant, with the Treasury Department reporting $27 billion in June 2025 alone, a 301% increase from the previous year, and projections estimate over $150 billion for the year. The rebates would be structured as refundable tax credits, with payments potentially increasing if tariff revenue exceeds expectations, but phased out for higher earners, such as joint filers making over $150,000.
Hawley’s proposal echoes his 2020 collaboration with Senator Bernie Sanders on COVID-19 stimulus checks, which provided $1,200 per adult. Earlier in 2025, Trump and Elon Musk floated a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” check funded by savings from the Department of Government Efficiency, but it never materialized. Critics, including some Republicans like Senator Bernie Moreno, argue the rebates are fiscally irresponsible given the $37 trillion national debt and could fuel inflation, as seen with pandemic-era stimulus checks.
The Tax Foundation suggests repealing tariffs altogether, as they raise consumer prices, effectively increasing household taxes by nearly $1,300 in 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson also dismissed a similar DOGE check proposal, indicating limited GOP support. Hawley’s bill faces significant hurdles in Congress, with opponents prioritizing debt reduction over direct payments.
We want to ask you, the reader: would you support nationwide rebate checks for Americans? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts on Hawley’s proposal.
If you cannot see the poll, click here.
