BOYLE: WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MOVES COVID RELIEF PACKAGE ONE STEP CLOSER TO PASSAGE

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) today released the following statement regarding this week's successful Ways & Means markup session for multiple provisions of President Biden's landmark COVID relief package:

"When I was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, I promised to deliver for the people of Philadelphia. After a two day/18 hour markup process, I'm proud to say we were able to advance significant portions of the COVID response package that account for over $900 billion of direct relief for the hardworking families that need long overdue support. I've been fighting for policies that get the American people more stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, and increased health coverage throughout the pandemic. Today, our committee passed them all. I look forward to supporting the larger COVID bill when it gets to floor so we can finally contain the virus and reinvigorate our economy. Our country wants and needs a landmark COVID package; our work this week makes that possible."

House Ways & Means Democrats passed legislation out of committee that addresses many aspects of our country's COVID relief efforts, including:

• DIRECT PAYMENTS: The legislation will deliver immediate relief to American families with another round of stimulus checks. The bill distributes $1,400 per person, bringing the total (including the $600 down payment enacted in December) to $2,000.
• UNEMPLOYMENT: Democrats stabilized and extended unemployment benefits that were rapidly approaching a March expiration date. A proposal backed by economists across ideological spectrums, reauthorizing the expanded pandemic unemployment programs will give American workers a fighting chance to stay on top of mortgages and rent, buy groceries, and support their families.
• HEALTHCARE: Ways & Means Democrats moved a plan out of committee that will build on the special enrollment period that President Biden recently announced by making it even easier for unemployed workers to afford their health insurance. Through COBRA subsidies and tax breaks that lower the cost of health care, these provisions provide economic and coverage security at a time when Americans need it most.
• PENSIONS: By including the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act of 2021, Ways & Means Democrats took a major step forward in defending the financial security and futures of 1 million+ workers and retirees. The bipartisan Butch Lewis Act will protect the hard-earned retirement benefits of workers and retirees participating in multiemployer plans, many of whom are essential workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.

This week's process wasn't glamourous. It wasn't something featured on the nightly news. But, the many hours, and days, that we debated legislative proposals were immensely important to the American people. They are proposals that many of our families and neighbors need to stay afloat in this incredibly challenging time. Our committee rose to the moment as our constituents were counting on us. The American people need to know that during this historic crisis, help is on the way and that Democrats are delivering when it matters most.
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