Cooper Statement on House Passage of Updated HEROES Act

WASHINGTON – Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed an updated version of the HEROES Act to support Americans and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic The $2.2 trillion legislation passed the House by 214-207. Not a single Republican voted for the relief package.

The bill would provide another round of $1,200 stimulus checks to eligible Americans and reinstate the additional $600 per week federal unemployment benefit. It also includes an estimated $70 billion to support children and families and more than $200 billion for education. It provides an additional $75 billion for COVID-19 testing and tracing – which we know is essential to combat the spread of the virus. State and local governments will also receive more than $400 billion to pay essential and vital workers while we fight this disease. It also boosts the SNAP benefit level and provides additional support to struggling small businesses and non-profits. As previously announced by Rep. Cooper, the updated HEROES Act also includes the RESTAURANTS and SOS Acts to help the food service and live music industries. Rep. Cooper asked Speaker Pelosi to include these measures in any relief package.

“Americans still need help. The House did its job, yet again, to provide relief to Middle Tennesseans,” Rep. Jim Cooper said. “It is a travesty that Senate Republicans refuse to even consider a bill to help the American people.”