Congressman Sires Votes for The Heroes Act

(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) voted in favor of the Heroes Act, legislation introduced by House Democrats to respond to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic.

H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, passed the House by a vote of 208-199 and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“Americans across the country are suffering the from the physical and economic impacts of the coronavirus,” said Rep. Sires. “The Heroes Act seeks to address the challenges so many are struggling with by supporting programs for workers, the unemployed, renters, small businesses, health care systems, and more. I voted for this bill because we cannot stand idly by when we are presented with the opportunity to help those in need.”

The Heroes Act contains hundreds of provisions including:

• $1,200 for every individual making less than $75,000 and $1,200 for up to 3 of their qualified dependents.
• $100 billion in emergency relief for renters.
• Expansion of eviction and foreclosure moratorium to all renters and homeowners nationwide.
• $75 billion for COVID-19 testing, contracting tracing, and mitigation – including establishing a national system to implement these efforts.
• $90 billion for a State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to fund remote education in our communities, including resources for technology, counseling, and mental health resources for students and staff.
• $5 billion for schools and libraries to provide teachers and students with internet services, wi-fi hotspots, and other technical needs.
• Temporary suspension of payments for all federal student loan borrowers.
• Up to $10,000 in hazard pay for essential workers making less than $200,000.
• 15% increase to maximum SNAP benefit, including expansion of authorized food items and billions of dollars for nutrition programs that serve adults, women, and children.
• Opening of a special enrollment period for coverage under Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for individuals who have suddenly lost health insurance or are facing inadequate access.
• $15 billion for state Departments of Transportation (DOT) to cover revenue losses.
• Lifting of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap for 2020 and 2021.