How the numbers look
Here are some of the fiscal realities:
- In Fiscal Year 2025, the U.S. government collected about $195 billion in customs duties (tariffs).
- Some independent analyses project that tariffs announced by the administration could raise about $2.5 trillion over the period 2026-2035.
- A calculation by the nonpartisan group suggests that if the $2,000 payment were made to Americans earning under $100,000, the cost would be around $300 billion.
- Another analysis noted that although tariffs raise revenue, they also generate economic costs (higher prices for consumers, slower growth), and therefore net fiscal benefit is lower than the gross collections.
So while tariff revenue is non-trivial, the cost of a broad $2,000 payment program could approach or exceed what is available (or at least what can safely be assumed to be available).
I’m retired, and yes i can use it
I believe congress is partially responsible for the shortfall in the future of Social Security. How about congress earmarking this windfall toward giving Social Security a better future along with a revised plan to repay the national debt. I don’t believe congress is currently working on or concerned about the national debt.
I am unemployed – recently laid off. I could use the money
could use it.
I could use it but I would rather use it to pay down the US debt.
Please
My husband and I could use this .He is 70 and I am78.
i would have to refuse that pmt on the premise of defisit spending use my pmt to pay down the debt
I am an 84 year old widow who relies solely on Social Security and have very little savings. I could certainly use this money to give me a little stability and make things easier.
I hope I qualify for the 2000 ?