Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday he is preparing legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic that would help hospitals, expand unemployment and health insurance, and assist small businesses, a proposal his office says is meant to “wage war” against the virus.
“We will need big, bold, urgent federal action to deal with this crisis,” said Schumer in a statement on Monday.
“The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most,” he added.
Schumer’s proposal, which would provide an infusion of at least $750 billion, will be presented to congressional appropriators as early as Tuesday.
The measure will expand upon the economic package passed by the House last week by giving more resources to hospitals and medical professionals, allowing loan payment postponements for all federal loans, helping education with remote learning, and ensuring public transportation continues to run.
“Importantly, this proposal will also ensure our medical professionals have all the resources — including physical space and equipment — they need to provide treatment and keep Americans safe, among other people-focused initiatives,” said Schumer.
His proposal has some overlap with the House bill, which includes provisions for free coronavirus testing, two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid leave for workers, increased unemployment benefits, lunches for children who would normally eat at school, and higher Medicaid funding.
