Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi revealed a $3 trillion coronavirus aid package Tuesday for struggling Americans.
The Democrats’ package, called The Heroes Act, would provide $1 trillion for cities and states to avoid layoffs and $200 billion to pay essential workers.
Another $1,200 would be sent to individuals, and up to $6,000 would be given per household.
About $75 billion will go to more coronavirus testing, according to a 90-page summary of the 1,815-page bill.
The $3 trillion price tag is the largest relief bill in American history.
A vote is expected Friday, but not all Republicans are eager to get the bill approved. They believe that the extra money in aid is not needed just yet.
“For the families who are suffering though, hunger doesn’t take a pause, rent doesn’t take a pause, bills don’t take a pause, the hardship of losing a job or tragically losing a loved one doesn’t take a pause,” Pelosi said.
She added that the crisis is “a historic challenge” and “a momentous opportunity for us to meet the needs of the American people, to save their lives, their livelihoods and our democracy.”
But Republicans say that Pelosi’s bill is “dead on arrival.”
“That will not pass. It’s not going to be supported,” said Republican Senator John Barrasso.
Republican Senator John Cornyn said, “I don’t think there’s a sense of urgency to do it now because a lot of the money we’ve already appropriated hasn’t even gone out the door yet. So, we’re taking one day at a time.”
