CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN INTRODUCES “SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF ACT” TO ELIMINATE TRUMP’S TARIFFS ON HUDSON VALLEY SMALL BUSINESSES AND REQUIRE FULL REFUNDS TO THOSE FORCED TO PAY THEM

Congressman Pat Ryan Introduces “Small Business RELIEF Act” to Eliminate Trump’s Tariffs on Hudson Valley Small Businesses and Require Full Refunds to Those Forced to Pay Them 

During his Small Business Listening Tour this summer, Ryan heard from small business owners across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties about how the tariffs are forcing them to raise prices and threatening the future of their businesses, profits, and local economies

The introduction follows months of action by Ryan, building on his efforts to reverse the national emergency Trump declared in order to enact his tariffs and prevent House Republicans from ceding their own ability to challenge tariffs to the President

Most recently, Ryan passed two bills through the House lowering costs and cutting through red tape for small business owners 

KINGSTON, NY  –  Congressman Pat Ryan introduced the “Small Business Restoring Equity for Local Importers through Economic Fairness Act,” or “Small Business RELIEF Act,” legislation that will ease the immense financial burden on Hudson Valley small businesses by eliminating the President’s tariffs on small businesses and providing refunds to those who were forced to pay them.

During his Small Business Listening Tour this summer, Ryan heard from small business owners and Chamber of Commerce members across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties about how the tariffs are forcing them to raise prices and threatening the future of their businesses, profits, and local economies.

Ryan has been fighting the harmful effects of Trump’s tariffs for months. He joined an effort in the House to reverse the national emergency Trump declared in order to enact the tariffs, and opposed a measure by House Republicans to cede their ability to challenge tariffs to the President – kneecapping Congress’s own ability to stand up for their constituents being crushed by high prices. 

Most recently, Ryan passed two bills through the House, the “Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act” and the “DUMP Red Tape Act,” lowering costs and cutting through red tape for small business owners. 

“We don't have billion dollar corporations in the Hudson Valley. What we proudly do have are tons of small businesses that clothe our kids, feed our families, and employ our friends – and they’re being absolutely crushed by Trump’s tariffs. My bill gives small businesses the much needed relief they deserve,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “My legislation protects our small businesses from Trump’s damaging tariffs and pays them back for what they’ve already been forced to pay. Because they can’t afford that burden – and our community can’t afford higher prices. This bill relieves the pressure on small businesses, keeps costs from being passed onto our families, and eases the burden on our local economy. I have heard your concerns loud and clear. As the Hudson Valley continues to stand up and speak out, I won’t stop fighting like hell for our small businesses and entire community.” 

During his Small Business Listening Tour this summer, Ryan heard from small business owners and Chamber of Commerce members across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties about how the tariffs are forcing them to raise prices and threatening the future of their businesses:

“A year ago, margins were already tight, and competing with large corporations presented a significant challenge. The tariffs currently in place have exacerbated the difficulties faced by businesses, adding to the stress and uncertainty in an already challenging business environment,” said Colin Stark, Owner of Stark Blooms Flower Farm and Executive Director of the Red Hook Area Chamber of Commerce. “Congressman Ryan’s Small Business RELIEF Act would provide exactly that - RELIEF. Small businesses are essential to our communities and play a vital role in the success of every Main Street in America. By implementing this act, we can help ensure the continued strength and health of small businesses, enabling them to thrive without unnecessary expenses.” 

“As a small business, these tariffs have placed real financial strain on us — cutting directly into already thin margins and limiting our ability to operate and grow,” said Marie Uridia - Owner, The Red Hook Stationary Co. “We’ve also spent countless hours trying to decode shifting policies, surprise fees, and tariff rules that seem to change overnight. This bill would ease that financial pressure while also lifting the ongoing burden of navigating such a confusing system, allowing us to reinvest our time, energy, and resources back into our work and the community we serve.”  

“As a small business owner, I always joke that I have to be the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. The list of responsibilities is long,” said Sarah Carlson, Owner, The Crows Nest. “The tariffs have been such a negative experience, only adding to evaluations about product, expenses, lead time (shipping takes much longer from overseas) and the direction of business. I'm excited to hear that Congressman Ryan's bill would offer some relief.” 

Ryan’s bill eases the immense financial burden on Hudson Valley small businesses by eliminating the President’s tariffs on small businesses and providing refunds to those who were forced to pay them. 

A small business concern is a for-profit, independently owned and operated U.S. business that is not dominant in its industry and meets the SBA’s size standards for its NAICS code. To learn more about if your business qualifies, look here. 

Throughout the summer months Congressman Ryan held community meetings with Chambers of Commerce across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Ryan has also taken action in Washington to limit the harmful impacts of Trump’s unprecedented tariffs, including joining an effort to terminate the national emergency that the president declared to institute the tariffs. 

Additionally, Ryan voted against an effort by House GOP leadership and Speaker Mike Johnson to cede their ability to regulate and challenge tariffs to the President – kneecapping Congress’s ability to stand up for their constituents being crushed by high prices.

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