House approves $3 trillion coronavirus response package

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today, by a vote of 208 – 199, approved The Heroes Act – a $3 trillion coronavirus response package that funds testing and contact tracing, aid for state and local governments, increased pay and protection for frontline workers and additional direct cash payments to American families.

"This is not a time to think small. Now more than ever, we must come together and take big, bold action to protect our communities from this unprecedented crisis," said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO). "The Senate should move to pass this bill immediately."

The legislation supports a science-based approach to safely reopening the country by committing another $75 billion for the testing, tracing and treatment. It also includes legislation – originally introduced by DeGette – to conduct a longitudinal study on COVID-19 to ensure we gain a full understanding of both the short and long-term health impacts of the virus on those who have recovered.

"It's clear that we cannot fix our economic crisis without fixing our public health crisis," DeGette added. "Until we have robust national testing and contact tracing system in place, Americans will not feel comfortable returning to work, schools, restaurants, or businesses at pre-pandemic levels. The Heroes Act would provide an additional $75 billion to ensure such a plan can be put into place."

The legislation passed by the House today also brings much-needed economic relief to state, local and tribal governments on the frontlines of this crisis. By allocating nearly $1 trillion to local communities, the bill will ensure that teachers, firefighters, first responders and other essential workers are able to remain on the job. Additionally, it will establish a $200 billion fund to ensure frontline workers receive hazard pay.

Another key provision included in the package to bring relief to local communities – which was originally introduced by DeGette last month – would make state and local governments eligible for paid leave payroll tax credits for employees who are affected by coronavirus.

Other key provisions of the Heroes Act include:

• MORE DIRECT PAYMENTS: Provides a second round of more substantial economic impact payments of $1,200 per family member, up to $6,000 per household.
• PAYROLL PROTECTIONS: Enhances the new employee retention tax credit that encourages employers to keep employees on payroll.
• WORKER PROTECTIONS: Requires OSHA to issue a strong, enforceable standard within seven days to require all workplaces to develop and implement infection control plans based on CDC expertise, and prevents employers from retaliating against workers who report infection control problems.
• SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS: Strengthens the Payroll Protection Program by providing $10 billion for COVID-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
• HEALTH COVERAGE: Protects Americans losing their employer-provided health insurance with COBRA subsidies to maintain their coverage and creates a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for uninsured Americans.
• EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Extends weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January.
• HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Provides $175 billion in new relief funds to help renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments.
• FOOD SECURITY: Provides a 175 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.
• SAFEGUARDS FOR OUR DEMOCRACY: Includes new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and preserve the Postal Service. According to estimates prepared by the House Appropriations Committee, Colorado will receive $60,554,561 in election assistance grant funding.