Congressman Vela Announces Passages of Updated Heroes Act

Press Release

ongressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) joined 214 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the Updated Heroes Act, which provides an additional $2.2 trillion in relief for Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It has been nearly five months since the House of Representatives passed the Heroes Act, providing a $3 trillion lifeline to American families and businesses," said Congressman Vela. "Unfortunately, Majority Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans have refused to consider the legislation. Since that time, thousands more Americans have died from this deadly virus and millions remain unemployed. This legislation is critically important to help Americans who are deeply suffering due to the pandemic. I strongly urge my Senate colleagues and the President to move forward with a bipartisan compromise for the sake of the American people and economy."

The updated Heroes Act would provide much needed assistance to families, businesses, our schools and frontline health care workers. Additionally, funds are provided to ensure we have the necessary testing and contact tracing, as well as funds to assist in the preparation and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine once it has been approved.

Specifically, the Heroes Act includes:

Direct Payments to Families -- Provides a robust second round of economic impact payments of $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 per dependent.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)-- If a family lost all of their income in 2020, they could receive up to $5,920 in EITC based on their earnings from 2019;

Child Tax Credit -- Fully refundable $4,000 for two children equaling an additional $1,200 in refund;

Food Support -- An increase in SNAP benefits worth more than $100 a month in most states;

Rental Assistance -- For those facing hardship paying rent during the pandemic;

Unemployment Insurance -- $600 per week in enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits;

ACA Premium Subsidy -- A parent losing his or her job would immediately be eligible for the maximum health insurance premium subsidy under the Affordable Care Act, a benefit worth an average of $1,386 per month;

Support for Small Businesses -- Improvements to the Payment Protection Program to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits, providing hard-hit businesses with second loans, and delivering assistance for the struggling restaurant industry and independent live venue operators;

Assistance for Airline Industry Workers -- Extends the Payroll Support Program to keep airline industry workers paid;

More funds to bolster education and child-care -- Including $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.

Honors our heroes - Provides $436 billion to provide one year's worth of assistance to state, local, territorial and tribal governments who desperately need funds to pay vital workers like first responders and health workers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs.

Supports testing, tracing and treatment -- Including $75 billion for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures, with special attention to the disparities facing communities of color, ensuring every American can access free coronavirus treatment, and supporting hospitals and providers. It also includes $28 billion for procurement, distribution and education campaigns for a safe and effective vaccine.

Bolsters housing assistance -- Helps struggling families afford a safe place to live with tens of billions in new supports to assist renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments and other housing-related costs -- preventing homelessness.

The text of the revised version of The Heroes Act can be found here. A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

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