Trump proposes $2,000 tariff dividend for Americans
President Donald Trump has proposed a "tariff dividend" plan to distribute $2,000 payments to Americans using revenue from increased tariffs, aiming to reform federal revenue and reduce national debt. While the administration touts this as a way to provide financial relief and potentially eliminate federal income taxes, critics question its feasibility, citing revenue shortfalls and inflation risks. The plan remains conceptual, with no legislation filed, and payments could take various forms, including tax credits or direct checks, starting in 2026 pending Congressional approval.?? Feasible for Congress ??
Do Members of Congress get Automatic Pay Hikes (COLAs)?
Under the terms of Public Law 101-194, the Government Ethics Reform Act of 1989, lawmakers receive an annual adjustment in pay [a cost of living adjustment or COLA] equal to the change in the government's Employment Cost Index for the fourth quarter of the prior calendar year versus the year before that (this constitutes a one-year time lag between when the pay raise is measured and when it actually takes effect). An automatic provision is made for this pay hike each year, and is self-implementing without any specific vote by CongressRegardless of Nancy/Chuck and whoever else doesn't need people's vote. But the people need for them to approve