Over 500 Small Businesses Call for an End to Devastating Tariffs as Supreme Court Fast-Tracks Review; Business Owners to Fly-In to DC

Nearly 100 businesses with "We Pay the Tariffs" coalition will fly-in to D.C. next week to speak with lawmakers about tariff impacts in their districts; New state-by-state impact reports released with most updated tariff increase information

Contact: press@wepaythetariffs.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 500 small businesses from across the United States today sent a letter urging their Congressional representatives to intervene and end tariffs that they say threaten to close their doors and eliminate jobs. The letter, organized by We Pay the Tariffs, a grassroots coalition of small business owners, emphasizes the immediate financial strain these trade policies place on America's main street economy, and comes as the Supreme Court takes up an enormously consequential legal review of the tariffs.

In addition to the letter, We Pay the Tariffs launched an impact map highlighting letter signers and state-by-state reports on rising tariff costs.

We Pay the Tariffs is made up of businesses (see full list - contact us to connect with small businesses) including restaurants, small manufacturers, retailers, and other enterprises spanning all regions of the country. Nearly 100 businesses will travel to Washington D.C. on September 17-18 to meet directly with lawmakers about the issue. 

"We pay the tariffs," the business owners write in their letter.

"There is no 'free tariff money' from foreigners. It comes from American businesses and creates nothing but bad options including: raising prices for our customers, laying off workers or cutting salaries and benefits, reducing investments, or taking high-interest loans."

The small business owners emphasize that they are among the Americans most impacted by rising costs created by tariffs, lacking the financial resources of larger corporations to absorb the additional expenses. "We do not have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars available to pay the new tariffs," they state. "Products are ordered months in advance, and it often takes months more for us to be paid."

The letter warns of "irreparable harms" to businesses that have taken years to build. "Years of hard work, late nights, and sweat equity to build our businesses, create good jobs, and contribute to our communities will be wiped out in the very near future," the business owners write. "Waiting 6 or 12 months for a potential solution is not viable. Many of our businesses will no longer exist."

The grassroots effort comes as the Supreme Court fast-tracks review of the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The cases being reviewed were brought by small businesses. 

The coalition is calling for immediate action, urging the President to cancel the new tariffs or for Congress to "intervene to end all emergency tariffs and revoke the delegated authorities used to impose them." The business owners frame the issue as nonpartisan, arguing that "no individual – regardless of party – should be able to impose or remove hundreds of billions of taxes on a whim."

About We Pay the Tariffs

We Pay the Tariffs is a grassroots coalition of small businesses working to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of the 2025 tariff proposals, including ensuring lawmakers understand the impact on prices, hiring, and staying in business. The coalition is committed to advocacy efforts, sharing real-life stories of impacted businesses, and engaging with congressional leaders to oppose harmful tariff policies. By joining forces and amplifying their voices, small business owners aim to make a meaningful difference and push back against harmful trade policies.