Press Releases

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va) introduced bipartisan legislation calling for direct payments to American families to provide much-needed relief in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act would provide a direct payment of $1,000 to adults and an additional $1,000 to any dependents, including the elderly or those with disabilities. 

“As Congress continues to negotiate the next COVID-19 relief package, it is critical that we have a direct focus on American families and their needs. The primary need, at the moment, is making sure families have the basic income they need to survive. We saw that the first round of direct 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,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “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-19 relief package that is introduced.” 

“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.”

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), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).

The Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act:

• Provides $1,000 direct payments to each adult and each dependent equally. A couple filing jointly would receive $2,000; a family of four would receive $4,000.
• Includes eligibility for adult dependents, such as those with disabilities and college students.
• Offers family-centric payments:

o   A family of four would receive $600 more than under the CARES Act.

o   These payments would provide single parents, especially those with multiple children, more assistance than under the CARES Act.

o   Families that care for elderly or disabled relatives are also eligible for assistance.

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