Democratic representatives on Monday proposed direct payments of an additional $ 1,400 as Congress begins assembling a $ 1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid package that is part of President Joe Biden’s plan to fight the pandemic and jumpstart the economy. .
Democratic members of the House Tax and Resources Commission would expand tax credits for families with children, for people with lower incomes and for those who purchase health insurance in markets created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act The panel, which plans to approve the measure by the end of the week, would also provide health subsidies for some unemployed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 460,000 Americans, while the economy has lost 10 million jobs since the start of the crisis last year.
The House Tax and Appeals Commission proposal – which exceeds $ 900,000, nearly half of Biden’s entire plan – was revealed as Democratic leaders in Congress hope to rush approval so that the measure is enacted by the president in mid-March, when current supplemental unemployment benefits expire. That date reflects the desire of the president and Democratic lawmakers to show that they can respond quickly and decisively to the crisis, even if they must make approvals without Republican support.
“While we hope that Republicans will join us in doing the right thing for the American people, the urgency of the moment demands that we act without further delay,” said committee chairman Richard Neal, a Democrat.
Rep. Kevin Brady, the highest-ranking Republican on the panel, criticized Democrats for going ahead with the measure “without a bipartisan commitment.” He said the Republican Party wants to focus on vaccine distribution and more targeted aid for workers, families and small businesses, practically giving a sneak peek at the amendments Republicans are expected to propose during this week’s commission voting. , some of which could have Democratic support.
Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee also advanced some of their plans on Monday. His $ 350 billion package includes $ 130 billion to help safely reopen schools, $ 40 billion for universities affected by the pandemic and a plan to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $ 15 an hour. Increasing the minimum wage faces a dark outlook, and even Biden has acknowledged that it is unlikely to prosper.
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