PAY UP: Millions Could Receive $600 Stimulus Checks Under Newly Announced ‘Worker’ Rebate Plan

With economic pressure mounting, a bold proposal has surfaced that could send $600 rebate checks to millions of American households.

Known as the “American Worker Rebate Act of 2025,” this initiative is designed to deliver direct payments funded not by borrowing, but through tariff revenue accumulated under Trump-era trade policies.

The plan is gaining national attention, featuring notable figures like Senator Josh Hawley and a nod of support from President Trump. Yet it fights an uphill battle through Congress.

This article breaks down everything you must know—from eligibility criteria and funding sources, to political support, criticisms, and what could happen next.

What Is the American Worker Rebate Act?

In July 2025, Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act, aiming to send $600 rebate checks to every adult and dependent child in the U.S.

The proposal resembles the COVID-era stimulus payments but is funded differently—through tariff revenues, rather than increased borrowing or deficit spending.

It envisions direct refundable tax credits for the 2025 tax year, with payments possibly rolling out by late 2025 or early 2026, subject to congressional and executive approval.

Key Details at a Glance

Category	Details
Proposal Name	American Worker Rebate Act of 2025
Proposed Rebate	At least $600 per adult and per dependent child, min. $2,400 for a family of four—could increase if tariffs yield more revenue.
Funding Source	Tariff revenue collected under Trump-era policies—exceeded $113 billion FY 2025.
Eligibility Thresholds	Full rebate for individuals earning up to $75,000 AGI, joint filers up to $150,000—phases out by 5%.
Legislative Status	Introduced by Senator Josh Hawley; referred to the Senate Finance Committee; not yet passed.
Support	Championed by Hawley and backed by Trump, citing worker relief from Biden-era economic strain.
Criticism	Experts warn of increased inflation, unsound economics, deficit strain—bill estimated at $150 billion/year.
Timeline	Possible disbursement in late 2025 or 2026 if passed.

Who Qualifies—And Who Doesn’t?

Eligibility mirrors earlier stimulus structures:

• Full rebate for:
  • Individuals earning up to $75,000 AGI
  • Joint filers up to $150,000 AGI
• Beyond these thresholds, rebates would decrease by 5% gradually.

Hawley and supporters state the goal is to support those most affected by inflation and economic policies.

How Will It Be Funded?

The plan diverges from pandemic-era checks by tapping into tariff revenues—not taxpayer borrowing or deficit finance.

• Tariff revenue for FY 2025 topped $113 billion.
• In June alone, revenue ranged from $27–30 billion, a dramatic increase from the previous year.

Proponents argue using these funds for rebates helps redistribute recent gains, with some going toward deficit reduction—but they also highlight the rebates as a political incentive.

Political Landscape: Support vs. Criticism

Supporters

• Sen. Josh Hawley champions the bill, calling it well-deserved repayment to workers affected by prior economic policies.
• Former President Trump publicly endorsed the idea, praising tariff revenue as an opportunity to return value to citizens. “We have so much money coming in… a little rebate might be very nice,” he said.

Critics

• Fiscal conservatives and economists warn about inflation and fiscal irresponsibility.
• MarketWatch highlights the bill’s $150 billion annual price tag, and notes how it would redistribute money to lower- and middle-income, largely Republican-leaning states.
• Inflationaries note that tariffs often raise consumer costs—which would, in turn, reduce the real value of any rebates.
• Concerns that funneling tariff funds toward rebates undermines efforts to reduce the federal deficit.

Where Does It Stand Legally?

The bill is still early in the legislative cycle:

• Introduced in July 2025 by Hawley.
• Referred to the Senate Finance Committee, after two readings.
• If approved by the Senate, it must pass the House, resolve differences, and reach the President’s desk. As of mid-August, this has not occurred.

With Congress currently adjourned until early September, no immediate movement is expected.

Timeline & What’s Next

• Mid‑August 2025: Bill introduced and under committee review.
• Late 2025 / Early 2026: Potential rebate distribution window—if the legislation becomes law.
• Present Challenges: Legislative resistance, budget concerns, and economic limitations remain major barriers to passage.

The American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 proposes a bold, tariff-funded relief plan—offering at least $600 per individual and child, potentially totaling $2,400 for families of four.

Though it taps into abundant tariff revenue and has vocal backing from Senator Hawley and President Trump, the plan faces significant headwinds: from inflation risks and fiscal constraint to political skepticism and deficit fears.

With Congress currently stalled, no federal rebates are imminent. Still, the idea highlights how economic policy and revenue streams like tariffs can evolve into direct financial relief.

Whether the bill becomes law or not, its proposal lays bare the complex interplay between funding sources, legislative dynamics, and voter-focused policymaking.

Frequently Asked Questions