Tariff rebate checks in 2025? What we know about current legislation

(WJW) - It's not a pandemic stimulus check, but Congress is currently weighing the possibility of sending the American people more money.

As part of the American Worker Rebate Act, introduced by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri in July, people would receive hundreds of dollars in tariff rebate checks, which work to counteract the financial burden imposed on families by the Trump administration's tariffs.

As the bill stands now, a household would get $600 for every child and adult - meaning a family of four would receive $2,400. Check amounts go down for those U.S. residents who are making more than $150,000 as a family or $75,000 individually.

The bill has not been passed by the Senate or the House, and it must overcome multiple obstacles before being brought to President Trump's desk to sign. However, last month, Trump did say he was "thinking about" approving a rebate.

If the revenue from the latest tariff rollout exceeds projections, the bill leaves room for a larger rebate to be sent out to the American people.

So far, there has been no word from Congress or the IRS on the possibility of a fourth stimulus check, like those issued during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A rebate is a refund of something already paid for, while a stimulus is simply money given to pump up the economy.

The U.S. Senate is currently on break for the summer and will be back in action on Sept. 2.