Title: Extra $600 for Unemployed Workers Would Be Extended Under Democrats' Heroes Act Proposal
Headings: Extra $600 for Unemployed Workers Would Be Extended Under Democrats' Heroes Act Proposal
Extra $600 for Unemployed Workers Would Be Extended Under Democrats' Heroes Act Proposal
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Content: "We must think big for the people now, because if we don't, it will cost more in lives and livelihood later," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. " Not acting is the most expensive course. One of the most important provisions to unemployment insurance is the extension of additional benefits. The legislation would ensure that people currently out of work will be able to receive an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits until at least next year. Newsweek Newsletter sign-up >
The additional payment, which was created in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in late March, is due to expire in July. But with unemployment reaching 14.7 percent (the highest since the Great Depression) Democrats say it's unrealistic to cut off the benefit so soon. Under their plan, the extra $600 unemployment payment would be extended until January 31, 2021. After that date, a "soft cutoff" will be put into place that would allow some individuals to receive benefits until March 2021. The measure is likely to receive significant pushback from Republicans on Capitol Hill. Senator Lindsey Graham previously told reporters that Congress would extend the additional $600 benefit "over our dead bodies."