Legislation, cosponsored by Blunt Rochester calling for $1,000 payment for each family member gains momentum

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U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-DE,, reported that momentum is building for the Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act, introduced by Blunt Rochester and Rep. David B. McKinley R-WV.

In just the first day since its introduction, 10 Republican and 10 Democratic cosponsors were added to the legislation, with more poised to join.

The new cosponsors bring the total sponsorship list to 22. The Members who have joined as cosponsors represent a wide range of geographic, political, and ideological backgrounds.

“As we continue to negotiate a COVID relief deal, it is critical that we include direct relief for the American people. I’ve been incredibly encouraged by the enthusiastic support for our proposal from a broad swath of Members of Congress,” said Blunt Rochester. “The diversity of the cosponsor list should serve as a signal to those negotiating the COVID relief package that direct payments can and should be included as a part of any final bill.” 

The  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).

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The Rochester-McKinley bill calls for the following

  • 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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