WASHINGTON, D.C. – The $3 trillion coronavirus aid package to be voted on by the House today has been called a “Democratic wish list” and a “1,800-page press release” by Republican critics, with Mitch McConnell saying Congress should hit “pause” until after Memorial Day for further relief for American workers and families.
But we can’t wait another day while the Senate plays politics with people’s lives.
Speaker Pelosi’s legislation expands the Child Tax Credit and creates a new Young Child Tax Credit, sets a new national standard for paid sick days and paid family and medical leave, increases monthly Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15% and makes important investments and policy changes to protect critical services for survivors of domestic violence.
It provides nearly $1 trillion for states, cities and tribal governments to avert layoffs of public sector workers like first responders, health workers, and teachers who have been left out of previous measures, and $200 billion to ensure that essential workers who have risked their lives during the pandemic receive hazard pay.
The bill also extends unemployment benefits, sets a second round of direct payments to individuals, and protects the tens of millions of Americans who are losing employer-provided health insurance with COBRA subsidies and a special enrollment period in health exchanges for the uninsured. It also includes an important non-discrimination clause, prohibiting the denial of benefits based on factors including gender identity and immigration status.
NOW is calling on our network of activists to tell their Senators to take off their blinders to the plight of Americans who are in real danger during this pandemic and take up the House bill without delay.