The House today passed, on a 214 to 207 vote, an updated version of The Heroes Act, addressing needs that have developed since the House passed an earlier iteration and formalizing House Democrats’ proffer in ongoing negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The updated Heroes Act is the House’s sixth piece of comprehensive legislation to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The health and economic catastrophe facing our country continues to cry out for urgent action. The American people cannot afford to wait until next year for action, so House Democrats are making good on our offer to compromise,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey. “As negotiations continue, this updated version of The Heroes Act is a strong bill that meets the needs of the American people.”
To address needs that have arisen since the House first acted, the $2.2 trillion legislation includes strong support for small businesses, improving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and delivering targeted assistance to nonprofits, event venues and restaurants; additional assistance for airline industry workers; and more funds to bolster education and child care. In addition, the updated Heroes Act maintains key priorities from the legislation that passed the House in May. To that end, among its many provisions, the legislation provides strong support for our heroes on the frontlines with robust funding for state and local governments; invests in testing, tracing and treatment; and puts more money directly in the pockets of families through additional direct payments to assuage the pandemic's economic blow.
Please select this link to read the complete press release from the U.S. House of Representatives.