McKinley, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Providing Relief for Families

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced bipartisan legislation calling for immediate relief for families.

"American families are struggling and need immediate relief. More than half of households have reported major financial challenges due to the economic and public health crisis," said Rep. McKinley. "By providing a second round of individual relief, millions of American families would receive the help they need to get through the holiday season. As Congress continues to negotiate additional COVID-19 relief measures, we must prioritize family-focused direct assistance to those who need it most."

"As Congress continues to negotiate the next COVID relief package, it is critical that we have a direct focus on American families and their needs. The primary need, at the moment, is income. We saw that the first round of economic impact payments were effective and helped raise over 8 million Americans out of poverty, but we have also seen millions of Americans fall back into poverty without more direct financial relief from the federal government. Congress must act to meet the moment. That means direct payments which would provide direct relief. I'm proud to join with Rep. McKinley to introduce a bill that would provide that direct relief and would urge Congressional leadership to include our bill in any COVID relief package that is introduced," said Rep. Blunt Rochester.

This bill is the House companion to the Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act (S. 4381), introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Martha McSally (R-AZ).

Background:

The Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act would:

Disburse Economic Impact Payments of $1,000 for both adults and children with social security numbers (SSNs) equally, $2,000 if filing jointly. A family of four would receive $4,000, which is $600 more than they received under the CARES Act.
Includes eligibility for adult dependents, including those with disabilities or college students.
Includes eligibility for U.S. citizens married to foreign nationals but does not include eligibility for foreign nationals or ITIN filers.

Source