WASHINGTON — The House today passed, on a 214 to 207 vote, an updated version of The Heroes Act, addressing needs that have developed since the House passed an earlier iteration and formalizing House Democrats' proffer in ongoing negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
"The health and economic catastrophe facing our country continues to cry out for urgent action. The American people cannot afford to wait until next year for action, so House Democrats are making good on our offer to compromise," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. "As negotiations continue, this updated version of The Heroes Act is a strong bill that meets the needs of the American people."
To address needs that have arisen since the House first acted, the $2.2 trillion legislation includes strong support for small businesses, improving the Paycheck Protection Program and delivering targeted assistance to restaurants, nonprofits, and event venues; additional assistance for airline industry workers; and more funds to bolster education and child care.
In addition, the updated Heroes Act maintains key priorities from the legislation that passed the House in May. To that end, among its many provisions, the legislation provides strong support for our heroes on the frontlines with robust funding for state and local governments; invests in testing, tracing, and treatment; and puts more money directly in the pockets of workers and families through additional direct payments to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus.
The updated Heroes Act is the House's sixth piece of comprehensive legislation to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation follows the first iteration of The Heroes Act, which passed the House on May 15; the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, enacted on April 24; the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27; the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, enacted on March 18; and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted on March 6.
The text of the revised version of The Heroes Act as introduced is here. A one-pager on the legislation as introduced is here. A section-by-section summary of the legislation as introduced is here. Additional information on the state and local relief provisions of the legislation as introduced is here.