House voted to pass an updated version of The Heroes Act. The bill was approved by a tally of 214 to 204. Every House Republican voted no, saying 2.2 trillion is too much to spend and the funding targeted programs unrelated to the coronavirus crisis. The $2.2 trillion legislation includes:
- 15% increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs
- $225 billion for education – including $182 billion for K-12 schools and nearly $39 billion for postsecondary education – and $57 billion to support child care for families.
- $436 billion for assistance to state, local, territorial and tribal governments
- $75 billion for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures
- $1,200 stimulus check per taxpayer and $500 per dependent
- $600 federal unemployment payments through next January
- 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs
It also includes a key provision backed by President Trump and GOP allies:
- Provisions to improve the Paycheck Protection Program to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits
- $25 billion to stave off thousands of layoffs at passenger airlines, as well as $3 billion for airline contractors. The restaurant industry would receive $120 billion in aid.
- Additional assistance for airline industry workers, extending the Payroll Support Program to keep airline industry workers paid
Currently, the Republicans in the Senate and White House both oppose the bill and want a proposal that is $600 billion less. Negotiations between the House leaders and the White House are still ongoing.
