On July 28, 2025, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the American Worker Rebate Act, a bill that would send rebate checks of at least $600 per adult and dependent child to American families.
The plan uses revenue from tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, which reached a record $27 billion in June 2025.
Hawley, who helped create COVID-19 stimulus checks in 2020 with Senator Bernie Sanders, says the rebate would help working families recover from economic struggles caused by past policies.
The bill offers a refundable tax credit and sets income limits, reducing rebates for individuals making more than $75,000 and joint filers over $150,000.
However, some experts warn that tariffs may increase costs for households by about $1,300 in 2025 and $1,700 in 2026, which could offset any benefits from the rebates. Critics also fear the plan could cause inflation, similar to what happened after the 2020-2021 stimulus programs.
The bill must pass both the House and Senate and receive the president’s signature to become law. With House Speaker Mike Johnson previously rejecting a similar proposal, its future remains uncertain.
Public opinions are divided, with some supporting the use of tariff funds, while others question the overall economic impact.