December 22, 2020

New Democrat Coalition Statement on the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Legislation

Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Chair Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Chair-elect Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued a statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package. The legislation provides funding for combatting the pandemic and critical relief for American families.

 The NDC secured key provisions in the package, including funding for national testing and vaccines; an extension and expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit to keep workers on the payroll and connected to their health care benefits; additional emergency unemployment insurance; and emergency rental assistance and an expansion of the affordable housing tax credit.

“Over the last nine months, we have seen the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic across our country. Many Americans have lost their jobs, businesses, and loved ones due to the pandemic. This package will provide much-needed relief.

“This bipartisan bill demonstrates that when Democrats and Republicans work together, we can actually make progress for the American people, and we are grateful to our colleagues in the House and Senate who built bipartisan momentum for this aid package. This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help beat back this virus and distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local employers.

“While today’s legislation is welcome news, more must be done to fight the pandemic and to strengthen the economy. The New Democrat Coalition will work with the Biden-Harris administration in early 2021 to make sure that the federal government steps up to provide further robust support and economic stimulus for our workers, families, and communities. We must end the pandemic and build back better.” 

More on the FY21 appropriations omnibus, coronavirus relief provisions, and other priorities, including making health care more affordable, combatting climate change, and further supporting for American families. More on the NDC’s COVID-19 efforts in the 116th Congress. The NDC will continue to push for policies to end the pandemic, support families and workers, and ensure a robust economic recovery.



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