Today, with my support, the House finally passed a bipartisan coronavirus relief package to support struggling families, individuals and businesses. I'm relieved this bill passed before the end of the year. Now it goes to the Senate.

Here is what this bill contains:
Up to $600 direct payments for each adult 18 and older and each child under the age of 17
Up to $300 per week supplement to all workers receiving unemployment benefits
11 weeks of extra unemployment benefits
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for gig workers
$284 billion for another round of Paycheck Protection Program funding to support small businesses
$82 billion for schools
$8.75 billion for vaccine distribution
$25 billion for rent assistance
A one-month moratorium on evictions; President Biden can extend in the new year if necessary
Increased food stamp benefits by 15%
$10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service
$10 billion in grants for child-care providers
$250 million for the Head Start program

This bill gives vital relief to help constituents and small businesses hurt by the pandemic, and supports the distribution of vaccines to help end this crisis. While it should have passed months ago, it is a step in the right direction for desperately needed relief and rebuilding. Know that in the new year, with a new President, I will keep fighting for additional support for those in need.

My job in Congress is to support my constituents and help people feed their families, keep their jobs and keep the lights on. We have a long way to go and a lot more to do to assist with recovery. Economic growth and stability will remain fragile and slow. But, with vaccinations being distributed and the relief bill we just passed, I am optimistic for the future.

In this moment, though, coronavirus cases and deaths are rising in Connecticut and across the country. Millions are still unemployed and thousands of businesses have closed their doors forever. We have all been personally impacted by COVID-19. Please protect yourself and your loved ones by continuing to wear your mask and practice social distancing guidelines as we go through the holiday season. We're still in this together.

My best,
Jim


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