Congress
Hawley Champions $600 Tariff Rebate as Trump Signals Surge in Revenue
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the American Worker Rebate Act. The bill would deliver rebate checks to U.S. families using tariff revenue generated under President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The White House is reporting that tariffs have brought in $150 billion in revenues so far. Projections are over $300 billion for 2025. Hawley says it’s time for working Americans—not Washington insiders or foreign governments—to benefit from this surge. “Like President Trump proposed, my legislation would allow hard-working Americans to benefit from the wealth that Trump’s tariffs are returning to this country,” Hawley said on Monday. How the Rebate Would Work The American Worker Rebate Act would establish a direct payment program funded by tariffs: $600 per adult and dependent child, meaning a family of four would receive at least $2,400. Larger checks if tariff revenues exceed projections for 2025. Phase-outs for high-income households: $150,000 for couples, $75,000 for single filers. Unlike past stimulus payments, this plan doesn’t rely on borrowing or new taxes. Funds come straight from tariffs foreign companies pay to access the U.S. market. Trump: “The Big Money Starts August 1” President Trump emphasized that tariff revenue is just getting started, saying: “The big money will start coming in on August 1. I think it was made clear today by the letters that were sent out yesterday and today.” To keep America in control, Trump signed an Executive Order extending key tariff rates to August 1, 2025. He also notified dozens of countries of their new reciprocal rates. These actions came after months of talks where some nations ignored warnings of higher tariffs, while others agreed to lower their own tariffs and cut trade barriers. Despite this progress, Trump says the U.S. trade deficit remains unacceptable. He seeks to continue to bring countries to the table to negotiate, protecting U.S. interests. Boost from the New U.S.–EU Trade Deal Tariff revenue is set to climb even higher thanks to a landmark trade deal with the European Union. This week, Trump finalized an agreement that will: Adopt a new tariff framework: 15% tariffs on autos, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. Maintain 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. This deal is expected to funnel billions more into U.S. Treasury accounts, adding to the funding source for Hawley’s proposed rebate checks. Historic Trade Victories Under Trump This rebate proposal builds on what many call one of the most successful trade negotiations in U.S. history. For decades, past presidents failed to secure fair trade agreements with Europe. These failures allowed trade imbalances to harm U.S. industry. Trump changed that. In just six months, he achieved a historic trade breakthrough with the EU, resetting the economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies. His leadership has revived U.S. manufacturing, attracted global investment, and made America an energy powerhouse. What others promised for decades, Trump delivered—restoring the nation’s role as the global standard-bearer for economic leadership and strength. The U.S.–EU deal is a win for American workers, farmers, inventors, and businesses of all sizes. This proves that bold, decisive leadership can reverse years of stagnant growth and reclaim prosperity for future generations. Supporters Say It’s Time to Pay Families Back Supporters argue the rebate is long-overdue payback for American families. They say in the past, Washington has: Had lopsided trade deals that worked against Americans. Wasted trillions on foreign aid, bloated agencies, and benefits for illegal immigrants. Failed to protect U.S. workers and middle-class families for decades. Tariffs now generate unprecedented revenue. Supporters believe this money should go back to citizens, not into the hands of bureaucrats or foreign governments. The Other Side of the Rebate Debate: Pay Down the Debt First Not every conservative agrees with Hawley’s proposal. Many fiscal hawks argue that with the national debt at $36.72 trillion, new payments are irresponsible. They insist every dollar of extra revenue should reduce the deficit, not create new spending. Interest costs are already consuming taxpayer funds. Handing out checks could push inflation higher, repeating mistakes made during pandemic-era stimulus programs. Debt-focused conservatives say fiscal discipline must come first. Only after the U.S. gets its finances under control, they argue, should extra funds be returned to taxpayers. Treasury Reports Stronger Finances Trump administration officials counter that tariff revenue is already strengthening the budget, making rebates possible without harming fiscal health. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business on June 22nd: “We’ve brought in nearly $100B in tariff revenue so far and are on track for $300B this year. That’s almost 1% of GDP. June delivered a budget surplus with higher revenue and lower spending. This is how we clean up the fiscal mess we inherited.” Supporters say this surplus proves tariffs can fund rebates and reduce deficits at the same time, undermining claims that the plan is reckless. We’ve brought in nearly $100B in tariff revenue so far and are on track for $300B this year. That’s almost 1% of GDP. June delivered a budget surplus with higher revenue and lower spending. This is how we clean up the fiscal mess we inherited. pic.twitter.com/JVfaj1ZAwU — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) July 22, 2025 Political Fight Ahead Over Rebate Hawley’s proposal faces a challenging path in Congress. Many lawmakers from both parties prefer to keep tariff funds for pet projects, foreign aid, or deficit spending. But the idea is popular with voters, many of whom have endured high prices, high interest rates, and stagnant wages over the last four years. Trump’s backing makes the proposal a likely centerpiece in upcoming trade and economic debates, forcing lawmakers to take a clear stand. Bottom Line: Washington’s Choice Trump’s tariffs are generating historic sums. Hawley wants that money to go straight to U.S. families, not disappear into Washington’s bureaucracy or be sent overseas. Supporters call it long-overdue payback for decades of failed policies that hurt American workers. Critics say the nation must tackle its $36.72 trillion debt first. As Hawley presses forward, Congress faces a simple choice: use Trump’s trade revenue wisely or keep funding…
Indian-Born Congressman In A Wig Can’t Name Cities In His District
This op-ed was written by Josh Slocum for WokeSpy. Click here to read in full. The “anything goes” and “you do you” attitude that’s prevailed for the last 15 or so years has brought us all sorts of public behavior that no one wanted. The Human Resources dictum to “bring your whole self to work” has given permission for staff to bring their marital and emotional problems to the office so what used to be private business is now everyone’s concern. Have you noticed how there are also no grooming standards anywhere anymore? If you’re in your late 40s or 50s, you remember a time not long ago when you were expected to comb your hair, tuck in your shirt, and-gasp!-even wear a clean uniform. That’s been replaced by hairy guts hanging out below food-stained T-shirts (men) and literal prostitute-wear (women). People’s faces are full of metal like nose rings and painful lip piercings, and even middle class women are covered with the kinds of tattoos formerly seen only on bikers, prisoners, and psychopaths. This strange behavior goes on in the elite classes, too. Consider ShriThanedar, an immigrant from India who represents Michigan’s 13th district in the House of Representatives. There’s no “nice” way around this: the man looks like a creation from Jim Henson’s Muppet Studios. It’s obvious from his photographs over the years that he’s been heavily reliant on makeup and hairpieces. When you look at his Congressional portrait, you imagine that Thanedar walked into a Baltimore wig emporium and said, “I’ll take the Carol Brady in brunette.” (MORE NEWS: Kay Hill On America’s Spiritual Revival & The Battle With Secular Power) Then there’s the obviously drawn-on (tattooed?) eyebrows. Recently, they’ve taken on the in-vogue square shape, the kind that looks like they were drawn on with a Sharpie. Of course, we’re not supposed to comment on how people look, even when they choose their look specifically to get attention, as Thanedar appears to have done. So let’s examine his political actions. Thanedar has a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and recently put up a video announcing his articles of impeachment against President Trump. Take a look and a listen to this weird dude. His odd priorities are not a one-off. Recently a citizen reporter interviewed Thanedar and asked him to specifically name prominent cities in the Congressional district he represents. Thanedar couldn’t do it, begging off by saying “I’m not here to answer a quiz.” Take a look. Shri’s Impeachment Vaudeville Has Been a Big Flop The congressman’s “Impeachment Town Hall” last weekend had only 27 attendees and less excitement than an AA meeting By Charlie LeDuff (@Charlieleduff) Lincoln Park — Congressman Shri Thanedar doesn’t like DOGE. He doesn’t like… pic.twitter.com/G3CeP7wCmK — Michigan Enjoyer (@mich_enjoyer) May 14, 2025 TMM Analysis: Don’t Pick Political Celebrities Surely, we can all agree that Slocum’s writing style is arguably one of the funniest around right now, even if some of us vehemently disagree with his stance on tattoos and piercings? Beneath Slocum’s wit is a very real issue: for too long we’ve normalized making celebrities out of our politicians, to the point that our politicians now look and act more likely stupid celebrities than actual leaders. Every elected official is paid for by you. Every elected official is chosen for their job by you. At no time should a politician refuse to answer a question that relates to their position. It’s just that simple. You need to stop choosing political celebrities over the folks who just want to make America a better place for all of us. Usually, the underdog — the quietest, most under-funded name in the race — is the one who deserves the chance to lead us. As we grow, The Modern Memo will be elevating the most important voices for the social sustainable future of American society. We will elevate good people, great ideas, and stuff our editorial team finds interesting, funny, or valuable to you, dear readers. At the same time, we will never be above calling out wrongdoers, stupid ideas and the things that endanger our survival as a society and species. If you’d like to be more involved, contact us today to learn more.
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