Dallas – At the Republican midterm convention, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R‑Ohio) announced legislation to codify President Donald Trump’s $5,000 dividend proposal for American workers. The bill would not draw on taxpayer dollars; instead it would impose a structural tariff on foreign companies that wish to sell products in the United States, treating the charge as a “market access fee” that flows directly into the dividend fund.
How the plan would work
Under Moreno’s plan, any foreign firm seeking to sell in the United States would either produce its goods domestically or pay the fee. The collected revenue would be earmarked for a one‑time $5,000 payment to each American, with the stipulation that the money be spent only within the United States.
“This dividend allows working Americans to share in the prosperity of this country,” Moreno said. “It provides a big economic boost and keeps the money here, not abroad.”
Republican support and fiscal framing
The proposal has found allies in the House Freedom Caucus, including Chairman Andy Harris (R‑Md.), who called the dividend “relief for hardworking American taxpayers” and urged discussion of the rebate’s size. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑SD) echoed the sentiment, noting that the plan highlights a clear contrast between GOP policies that put money back in citizens’ pockets and Democratic approaches that, in his view, expand federal control.
Thune added that the legislation would likely require the budget reconciliation process to bypass Democratic opposition, a strategy Republicans have used to pass major tax and spending measures.
Critics and political hurdles
Democratic leaders have dismissed the plan as a political gimmick. Rep. Robert Garcia (D‑CA) called Trump a “known liar” and argued the dividend has never materialized. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D‑NY) labeled the proposal an “insult to Americans” and suggested it amounts to vote‑buying.
Moreno countered that Democrats have historically supported large outflows of money abroad while resisting efforts to bring funds back home for working families. He warned that without Republican control of both chambers, the dividend could stall.
Fiscal context
The estimated cost of the dividend program is roughly $1.2 trillion, a figure Moreno acknowledges but argues is justified given the economic strain many families have felt during the previous administration. He framed the plan as a necessary step to help families who are “underwater” and to demonstrate fiscal responsibility by using tariffs rather than new taxes.
While the federal deficit has surged to $40 trillion, the Trump administration continues to promote policies aimed at reducing the fiscal burden on American households.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
