Bill · H.R. 7646· House(119-HR-7646)
Payback Act
- Introduced
- 2/23/2026
- Last activity
- 2/23/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Jasmine Crockett
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Payback Act and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refund American consumers for higher costs caused by certain tariffs. The text notes that the Supreme Court clarified that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the President to impose tariffs without clear congressional approval. These past tariffs increased prices on everyday goods and placed a heavy burden on working families, seniors, and small businesses. The legislation requires the Treasury to create a refund formula within 120 days of enactment using federal data and economic estimates. Refunds will be sent out automatically through existing Treasury and IRS systems or through a simple application process. Finally, the Secretary must report to Congress on the refund plan, and the Government Accountability Office will review the implementation of the Act.
Yes· 3 of 33
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill directly protects consumers by creating a systematic mechanism to refund unauthorized tariff costs.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+6
Seniors often live on fixed incomes and are explicitly noted as being disproportionately burdened by past tariffs.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+6
The refund formula incorporates explicit adjustments based on household income to aid lower-income groups.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4(a) and Section 5(a): Consumers could receive money back for the extra costs they paid because of tariffs put in place without congressional authorization. This is positive because it aims to make working families, seniors, and small businesses whole by returning funds through automatic payments like direct deposits or refundable tax credits.
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Section 4(b)(3): The refund formula requires adjustments based on household income and geographic disparities. This could benefit lower-income households and specific regions by tailoring the distribution more equitably.
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Section 5(b): The Secretary must set up a streamlined application process that requires minimal documentation for individuals who are not caught by existing payment systems. This makes it easier for people to get their refunds without dealing with complicated paperwork.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Middle Class Households+6Good For Retirees+6Good For Seniors+6Good For Middle Aged+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Men+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Union Workers+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For Veterans+4Good For Women+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Children+3Good For Farmers+3Good For Immigrants+3Good For L G B T Q Community+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Students+3Good For White Americans+3Good For High Income Households+2Good For High Net Worth Individuals+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7Improves Small Business Support+6Reduces Inflation+5Improves Economic Growth+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Improves Due Process+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- 2/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House