Rep. Foushee Introduces Legislation to Deliver Direct Relief to Families Facing Higher Costs

WASHINGTON, DC (September 18, 2026) — Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) introduced the American Tariff Rebate Act , legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code and provide direct financial relief to working American households through refundable tax credits. “Working families across North Carolina and the country continue to face rising living costs,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “The American Tariff Rebate Act puts money directly back into the pockets of middle-class families by providing swift, direct tax rebates to offset the costs associated with the President’s tariffs and the rising cost of everyday expenses.” Since taking office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has imposed broad tariffs on U.S. imports using multiple legal authorities. Several trading partners have responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, putting American workers and farmers in the crossfire, and driving up the cost of everyday goods. While the courts ruled that businesses must receive tariff refunds, there has been no such ruling for American families who have also felt the heavy weight of this administration's reckless tariffs. According to the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, Minority, American families paid more than $231 billion in tariff costs between February 2025 and January 2026, an average of roughly $1,745 per family. The Committee projects that number could climb past $2,500 per family in 2026 if current tariff levels hold. Under the proposed legislation, eligible taxpayers will receive a refundable tax credit for 2026 of $2,000 for individual filers, $4,000 for married couples filing jointly, plus $600 for each qualifying dependent, providing direct financial relief to American families hit hardest by the Administration’s tariffs. To target relief toward middle- and lower-income households, the credit phases out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes above $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for joint filers. Nonresident aliens, estates, trusts, and individuals claimed as dependents on another taxpayer’s return would not be eligible. This legislation would also authorize advance payments during 2026, allowing eligible Americans to receive the benefit without waiting until they file their 2026 tax returns. The full bill text of the American Tariff Rebate Act is available here . Print Email Share Tweet