Attorney General Jay Jones called on Congress on Mar. 19 to pass legislation that would require the federal government to provide swift refunds to consumers and businesses affected by tariffs imposed under the Trump administration. Jones joined a coalition of 16 other attorneys general in urging lawmakers to act after the Supreme Court ruled in February that tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful.
The issue is significant because, according to Jones, over $166 billion was collected from more than 330,000 American businesses and individuals through these tariffs, impacting over 53 million shipments. The coalition is seeking legislation that would ensure importers are reimbursed with interest and encourage businesses that passed tariff costs onto consumers to return those funds as well.
“Donald Trump continues to exercise power that does not belong to him while Virginians are expected to foot the bill – to the tune of $1,700 per family – and keep our mouths shut. No more,” said Attorney General Jones. “Virginia’s farmers, families, and businesses are carrying the heaviest burden of these illegal tariffs. The Port of Virginia continues to see slowdowns in import and export containers. Virginians shouldn’t have to pay the exorbitant price tag of Donald Trump’s trade tantrums. We urge Congress to take swift action and return to the people what is rightfully theirs.”
The letter sent by Jones and his colleagues points out that Virginia farmers have seen operating costs rise by up to 25 percent, while small businesses in Virginia have paid over $1.4 billion in tariffs so far. The attorneys general argue that requiring importers or consumers to apply or sue for refunds would disadvantage smaller entities lacking resources for complex processes or litigation.
Jones also urged Congress to hold accountable companies that passed tariff costs directly onto customers, stating that any refund benefits should be shared with those who ultimately bore the financial burden. He noted that lower-income consumers were disproportionately affected because prices for less expensive goods rose faster than those for higher-priced items due to the tariffs.
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel and representation for state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed online. Miyares currently serves as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official records, serving all residents across the Commonwealth as stated on its website. The office addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to its news releases and offers consumer protection resources including identity theft prevention and fraud reporting services as noted online.
Joining Jones in this effort are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont.
