Sen. Cantwell Demands Treasury Detail Plan to Refund Billions After Illegal Tariffs

Sen. Maria Cantwell is demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on how the federal government plans to refund tariffs recently struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cantwell’s letter — delivered Friday and reviewed by news outlets — asks for a “detailed explanation” of the process Treasury will use to reimburse businesses that paid those now-invalid tariffs and to outline a timeline for that work.

The request amplifies conflict between Congress and the executive branch after the high court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded presidential authority. The ruling came down the same day Cantwell’s letter was dated.

Related: Trump Warns He “Can Destroy the Country” After Tariff Ruling

In her letter, Cantwell noted that the administration should have been preparing for a possible adverse ruling and urged Treasury to provide breakdowns of customs revenue, including collections by country of origin and major importers.

The senator wrote that many small and medium-sized businesses faced financial strain under the tariffs and that refund procedures should be simple and open to all those harmed. She set a March 6, 2026 deadline for a written response from Bessent.

According to Cantwell, Treasury must ensure any refund system is transparent, free from excessive burdens like litigation costs, and prioritizes companies hit hardest by tariff costs.

Related: Trump’s Manufacturing “Boom” Has Reversed — Jobs Shrink Despite Tariffs

Cantwell’s inquiry matters because hundreds of billions of dollars in tariff revenue could be at stake, and businesses have already started litigation seeking refunds. How the administration handles reimbursements could influence broader trade policy debates in Congress and impact corporate bottom lines.

Treasury has not publicly outlined a refund plan, leaving uncertainty for importers. Cantwell’s deadline of March 6 places pressure on the administration to act swiftly.

The next step will be Bessent’s written response, potentially shaping how U.S. taxpayers and businesses are repaid.

Related: House Republicans Break Ranks, Vote With Democrats to End Trump’s Canada Tariffs