The House of Representatives recently passed the Heroes Act, a bill that would provide further financial relief --such as a second stimulus check, forgiven student loan debt, and boosted unemployment benefits-- to millions of Americans who are struggling with the economic fallout caused by the pandemic. However, the Senate seems determined to stand in its way. 

Even though our nation is experiencing two simultaneous emergencies, one of public health and the other economic, some members of Congress seem unwilling respond. In fact, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell actually advocated that lawmakers press the "pause button"  on any new economic relief packages. But how can Congressmembers "pause" when the nation's unemployment rate is at almost 15%, when applications for food and cash assistance programs have skyrocketed, and when there is still so much uncertainty?

The House's Heroes Act is a direct response to the economic hardship experienced by so many at this moment. If it were to pass, it would:

• Provide a second round of stimulus checks, and this time include college students and people who file taxes using an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), many of whom are immigrants
• Boost unemployment benefits, extending the program through 2021
• Bolster student loan relief by cancelling up to $10,000 for both public and private borrowers, as well as suspending interest for longer
• Establish a hazard pay fund for essential workers, allowing them to receive a bonus for hours worked

To be clear, the Heroes Act has only passed the House. In order to be enacted, it would need to pass the Senate as well, and then be signed into law by the President. We must stand together and demand that our members of Congress respond quickly to the need for relief that is so apparent, both in our state and our nation. Instead of "pausing," Senators must follow the lead of House lawmakers and pass the Heroes Act: a strong bill that contains the type of direct aid that our communities require in this time of crisis.