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The House of Representatives passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill named ‘HEREOS’ that would put more money directly into Americans’ pockets. The bill is also be the largest relief package in history.
The bill passed in a 208-199 vote and now heads to the Senate.
The bill passed in a 208-199 vote and now heads to the Senate.
The package will provide coronavirus testing, and funding for local and state governments, as well as more money to the average American.
However, the bill clashes with Republicans, saying a new round of emergency funding is not needed yet.
“This is nothing more than a messaging exercise by House Democrats, they didn’t have any input from Republicans,” said Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.,) “It’s not going anywhere.”
The Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also weighed in saying, “This is not a time for aspirational legislation. This is a time for practical response to the coronavirus pandemic. And so we’re going to insist on doing narrowly targeted legislation, if and when we do legislate again and we may well, that addresses the problems, the needs — and not the aspirations of the Democratic majority in the House.”
House Minority Leader, Kevin McCarthy, took to the House floor ahead of the vote to criticize the bill. "I listened to what Speaker Pelosi told your conference — to go big. Instead of going big, it seems you went crazy. This is a political messaging bill that has no chance at becoming law," McCarthy said.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended the bill saying, "Some of the Members say, ‘Let's take a pause.’ Let's take a pause? Do you think this virus is taking a pause? Do you think that the rent takes a pause?" Pelosi said. "The hardship of losing a job doesn't take a pause or tragically losing a loved one. It doesn't take a pause."
President Trump called the bill “DOA. Dead on arrival. Of course, Nancy Pelosi knows that” during a meeting with governors of Colorado and North Dakota.
Here’s what’s in the bill:
- Nearly $1 trillion to local and state governments
- $75 billion for coronavirus and contract testing
- Another round of direct payments: $1,200 per person, up to $6,000 per household
- $175 billion in rent, mortgage, and utility assistance
- Hazard pay for essential workers
- Additional money towards the U.S. Postal Service