Reps. Cisneros, Mejia, Morrison Propose Tariff Hotline for Small Business Owners

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), and Congresswoman Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Small Business Tariff Relief Hotline Act to give business owners a dedicated place to voice their tariff-related issues so they can't be ignored. If passed, this legislation would create a Tariffs and Refunds Hotline within the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy for small businesses to report tariff related issues, and require the Chief Counsel to submit annual reports to Congress summarizing these issues and recommending fixes. The Small Business Majority is a supporting organization of the legislation.

"Tariffs are crushing our small businesses by driving economic uncertainty, job loss, and rising costs across the country," said Congressman Gil Cisneros. "In 2025, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees lost more jobs than any other year in recent history. For the small businesses that tried to voice their concerns on the effects of Donald Trump's economic chaos, they were dismissed with the Office of Advocacy telling Congress it is 'out-of-scope'. I introduced the Small Business Tariff Relief Hotline Act to give our small businesses a voice on tariffs and the refund process, and require the SBA Office of Advocacy to actually listen to small businesses across the country and work with Congress to provide relief."

"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy, and right now, too many of them are navigating Donald Trump's chaotic tariff disruptions on their own," said Congresswoman Analilia Mejia "When costs rise and supply chains get tangled, small business owners shouldn't have to wonder who to call or whether anyone will pick up. By creating a dedicated Tariffs and Refunds Hotline and requiring annual Congressional oversight, we make sure these concerns are tracked, taken seriously, and acted on. I am proud to co-lead this effort because our small business owners deserve a government that listens when they ask for help. It is time to stand up for the entrepreneurs who power our economy."

"President Trump's tariffs are driving up prices, making life more unaffordable, and posing an existential threat to our small businesses. Small businesses aren't able to absorb the costs of tariffs in the same way that larger businesses are - and they certainly don't have the time or people power to tackle all the administrative burden of seeking tariff refunds," said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. "We need the Small Business Administration to create a direct line to help small business owners get the refunds they need and are owed from these illegal tariffs. This legislation is an important step to both help us save our small businesses - the engine of our economy - and also to lower costs for all Americans. I'm going to continue to do everything I can to make life more affordable for Minnesotans, to fight for our small business owners, and help grow a thriving economy."

According to research conducted by the Small Business Majority, in 2025, 60% of small businesses reported higher costs due to tariffs and over 80% of small businesses classified tariffs as a major worry for their business.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Rep. Cisneros is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, and on the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.

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