Tlaib Leads Bicameral Push for Recurring Direct Payments During COVID-19 Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and 53 of their colleagues on Thursday sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) pushing for recurring monthly cash payments to those most at-risk during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly low-income communities, gig and service workers, and our immigrant neighbors. The bi-cameral group stressed the importance of lawmakers ensuring people are able to meet their basic needs for the duration of this crisis.

“We know that low-income people are disproportionately at risk of being uninsured or underinsured and lack the resources to prepare and protect themselves against the COVID-19 pandemic. That means a rent increase, additional childcare, tuition check, or even a blown tire can upset a family’s ability to stock their pantry or seek necessary medical care,” the group wrote. “It is important that we lift-up unbanked and underbanked communities by creating a buffer for people who have seen their costs of living rise for decades as their wages have stagnated.”

“Simply put—people need more money in their pockets, and sending monthly payments to workers and families is the fastest and most direct way to address that need. Now is not a time for timid solutions. In the face of an unprecedented moment in economic history and public health, we need to offer bigger, bolder and far more aggressive policies,” the letter continues.

Additional U.S. Senators who signed the letter were Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). A complete list of signers from the House and the full letter can be viewed here.