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BOYLE STATEMENT ON STOPGAP COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE

December 21, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement on tonight's bipartisan passage of legislation to fund the government and provide additional, long-overdue pandemic relief for the American people, including survival checks and enhanced unemployment:

"This is the second-largest bill in American history. While not as historic and encompassing as the HEROES Act passed by the House months ago, it will help provide some relief to the millions of Americans who are suffering. But, Congress must do more. When the first draft of this bill came out over a week ago, it did not contain any direct cash payments to the American people. This was completely unacceptable to me. I banded together with a group of like-minded House Democrats who agreed with me and pledged not to support any bill that failed to include these payments. I'm proud our effort was successful.

"While I'm glad to have helped lead the fight for direct cash payments, I am disappointed it is only a one-time check for $600. This is nothing but a Band-Aid for struggling families who are months behind on rent, utilities, and car payments. It's a disgrace that in the richest nation on Earth, millions of people will be spending this holiday season wondering if they will be able to keep a roof over their heads or pay for groceries in 2021.

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.
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