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McCollum Statement on Passage of $900 Billion COVID-19 Aid Package

December 21, 2020

$900 billion COVID aid bill attached to FY 21 Appropriations omnibus

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) issued the following statement today after a $900 billion COVID-19 federal aid deal passed the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 133, the federal appropriations omnibus:

"Our nation has lost more than 318,000 lives, including over 4,800 Minnesotans, to the COVID-19 pandemic. As our health care system strains under the weight of increasing caseloads, and American families are struggling with food insecurity, housing instability, job loss, and the emotional toll of isolation, Republicans failed for months to come to the table and negotiate in good faith with Democrats. The passage of this aid deal, though incomplete, provides a glimmer of hope in a time of great darkness for our nation. These funds will help accelerate vaccine distribution, and they will provide a measure of stability to working families and our struggling economy as we face this historic crisis. Small businesses and important cultural institutions will be able to stay afloat because of this legislation. It will also help ensure that our schools and universities can operate safely."

"It is important that we provide this stability over the next few weeks until the Biden-Harris administration can put together a plan to work with Congress on additional federal assistance for state, local, and tribal governments that is so urgently needed."

Highlights of the COVID-19 deal include:

  • $600 direct payments to most individuals, including children;
  • $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure;
  • $25 billion in rental assistance and an extended eviction moratorium to help ensure people can stay in their homes for the duration of this crisis;
  • $284 billion for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses, with dedicated funding for small and underserved businesses through Community Development Financial Institutions;
  • $300 per week in federal unemployment benefits for 11 weeks;
  • $15 billion for theaters, music venues, and other important cultural institutions;
  • $82 billion for local schools, colleges, and universities;
  • $10 billion for child care to assist working families

A summary of the $900 billion emergency spending deal is available here. Read Congresswoman McCollum's statement on the passage of the FY 2021 appropriations omnibus, H.R. 133, here.