Watson Coleman Votes for the Heroes Act
Seeks Recurring Direct Monthly Payments to Americans in Future Legislation
Washington, D.C. (May 15, 2020) - Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman applauded the passage of H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, legislation that makes emergency supplemental appropriations related to combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past weeks, my office has been bombarded with phone calls from families who’ve lost work, who are trying to keep their businesses afloat, who are worried about the risks of reporting to their next work shift. As these calls for help have poured in, I’ve urged my colleagues here in this body to step up and lead in the way that our constituents need right now — I have been vocal on hazard pay and broad protections for everyone essential enough to still be working, for bigger and continuing direct payments to families until we make it through this crisis and more.
“I’m proud to see us delivering on many of those needs in the bill before us today, with paid sick leave for workers no matter the size of the company, PPP carveouts for real small businesses, and critically, hazard pay and protection protocols for essential workers from nurses to grocery clerks. ITIN holders will get direct payments, and funds will go to states with higher COVID-19 burdens. This bill is a vital step, but it’s just that — a step. To make sure every American makes it through this will require many more, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that’s what happens.”
While Congresswoman Watson Coleman supported the passage of this legislation, she wants future relief packages to include recurring direct monthly payments to Americans until the health emergency has passed, and increased protections for workers. She also supports remote committee meetings and proxy voting to ensure Congress can perform its regular duties while Washington D.C. manages its COVID-19 outbreak.