CCAGW Annual Ratings

Coronavirus Relief Budget Reconciliation Package – Passage

Description: 

Passage of the fiscal 2021 budget reconciliation bill, as amended, comprising a coronavirus relief package that would provide roughly $1.9 trillion in funding to further address the health and economic effects of COVID-19, including approximately $350 billion in direct aid to state and local governments; $47.8 billion for testing and contact tracing; $168 billion to assist educational institutions; and $50 billion to assist small businesses. It would extend and increase federal unemployment compensation benefits for 24 weeks and increase the weekly amount to $400; provide tax rebates of $1,400 for individuals with incomes of $75,000 or less; extend or expand a number of employer and individual tax credits, including credits to subsidize health insurance premiums; and gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. Among other provisions, the bill would provide $195.3 billion for direct assistance to states and $130.2 billion for local governments; $128.6 billion through fiscal 2023 for an Education Department elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund and $39.6 billion for grants to higher education institutions, including to provide emergency financial aid; and continue the 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through September 2021. It would provide $47.8 billion for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing; $7.5 billion for vaccine administration and distribution; and $6.1 billion for vaccine and therapeutic development, manufacturing and procurement. It would require Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program to fully cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. It would expand eligibility in 2021 and 2022 for federal tax subsidies toward Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance premiums, including to fully cover premium costs for individuals earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level and cap premiums at 8.5% of household income. It would provide $50 billion for small business assistance, including $25 billion for restaurants. It would provide $30.5 billion for transit, $18 billion for airline and aviation manufacturing industry payroll support; and $4 billion for Agriculture Department pandemic-related assistance. It would incrementally increase the federal minimum wage annually to reach $15 per hour in 2025, including for tipped workers, teens and workers with disabilities. It would create a program to provide financial assistance to multiemployer pension plans.

Vote Number: 
House Vote 49
Bill Number: 
HR 1319
CCAGW Position: 
Nay
Vote Results: 
Passed 219-212 : D 219-2; R 0-210