Overview
- National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the payments cannot proceed without legislation and that the president will present a package to Congress in the new year.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has floated an eligibility cap near $100,000 in annual income, though no decision has been made on thresholds or delivery methods.
- Analysts at the Tax Foundation and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimate the proposal would cost roughly $280 billion to more than $600 billion, outstripping expected tariff revenue.
- The Supreme Court will review the administration’s tariff authority, and retailer lawsuits seeking reimbursement could diminish funds available for any dividend.
- Reporting indicates checks could arrive by mid-2026 only if Congress approves the plan and sufficient revenue is available.