Today U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a bipartisan amendment to must-pass legislation to be considered by Congress providing immediate direct payments to working-class Americans. Like the CARES Act, which passed Congress unanimously and was signed into law by President Trump, the amendment would provide a $1,200 direct payment for all adults and $500 per child.
"It would be a dereliction of duty if Congress adjourns for Christmas without having a vote on providing working families with direct payments. Working people are struggling. And they should be the first people given relief, not last. The crisis of rising unemployment claims, ever-expanding food lines, evictions, and growing credit card debt has been staring us in the face for months. It’s time we do something about it and provide emergency relief to Americans."
Senator Josh Hawley
Senator Sanders said, "In the midst of this terrible pandemic and economic crisis, this amendment would make certain that working families get the urgent, direct support they need to survive. A direct payment of $1,200 for adults and $500 for kids would help desperate families pay rent and heating bills, put food on the table, and be able to go to the doctor. In the midst of so much economic desperation, Congress cannot go on recess without providing this $1,200 emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need. I look forward to working across the aisle with Senator Hawley to ensure that the United States Senate passes this amendment."
Read the text of the amendment here.