HAMILTON, Canada

Senate Democrats unveiled new legislation Monday to shield small businesses from tariffs imposed under US President Donald Trump's trade policies.

The proposed "Small Business Liberation Act," introduced by Senator Ed Markey and co-sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Mazie Hirono, aims to exempt small businesses from what Democrats describe as "devastating" economic impacts of Trump's tariffs.

"President Trump's trade war is economic arson on Main Street, and these folks are getting scorched," Schumer said during a press conference alongside affected small business owners.

"Trump's tariff tax is jacking up prices, smashing supply chains, forcing small shops to raise costs, lay off people, or, worse yet, close their doors altogether," he added.

Schumer also criticized Trump for prioritizing large corporations and donors while neglecting small businesses.

"While Trump has let mega corporations, CEOs and his donors have his ear on exemptions when they want relief from tariffs, small business owners have been left out to dry.

"Today, Senate Democrats are showing America the faces, businesses and communities impacted by Trump's devastating trade war," he said.

Schumer further called on Senate Republicans to back the bill, adding: "Small businesses are the backbone of this country. It’s time for Senate Republicans to grow a backbone and defend small businesses."

Senator Markey echoed those concerns, describing Trump's tariffs on small business as "a disaster."

"Even with the 90-day pause, small businesses can't afford this cloud over their head, or the remaining reckless Trump tariffs could return in a nanosecond," he said.

Markey warned of further damage without legislative action and stressed that "it is not Liberation Day, it’s Obliteration Day for small businesses. It will be a massive economic liquidation day."