House Democrats Aiming for Vote on Relief Plan Later this Week

On February 22, Democrats released details on a recovery package largely based on priorities contained in President Biden’s proposed aid plan. Following markups from the House Rules Committee, the total cost of the package reportedly could well exceed $2 trillion.  The following day, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer indicated that a vote would likely take place later in the week.

The House is expected to pass the bill through a strictly party line vote. The aid package will then be combined with a Senate version of the bill, the finalized contents of which are yet to be determined. 

House Bill Highlights:

• $1,400 direct payments to individuals
• $400/weekly jobless benefit supplement
• $350 billion for state and local relief aid
• $50 billion for COVID-19 vaccination research & development, distribution, contact tracing and other mitigation efforts
• $19 billion to state and local governments for low-income households (Covers rent assistance, back rent and utilities assistance)
• $5 billion to state and local entities for at-risk homeless
• $170 billion for reopening schools ($130 billion for K-12, $40 billion for colleges)

See the full bill text here. GFOA Federal Liaison Center will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through Congress.