In the News

House Democrats said on Friday afternoon they have officially started work on an infrastructure package, kicking off what appears likely to be a lengthy stretch of negotiations on a multitrillion-dollar economic recovery bill. "Building our transportation system has long been bipartisan," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. "It is our hope that spirit will prevail as we address… Read more »

This week, Congressman Richard Neal voted to pass an important government funding legislation that secures $8 million for the First Congressional District. The bill includes community project funding which will benefit several different projects across western Massachusetts. Forest Park is set to receive $2 million for its horticultural plans. “I consider it money well spent if you can… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal spent some time on the phone following Wednesday’s historic House vote approving the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan for COVID relief. One call was from President Joe Biden. “Some things are worth fighting for,” the Springfield Democrat quoted the president as saying. “And we did it.” Biden plans to sign the plan and… Read more »

Another round of stimulus checks are poised to go out to most Americans after a divided U.S. House put its final stamp of approval on President Biden’s “seismic” $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which would also send $8.1 billion to Massachusetts. All that’s left is for Biden to sign off on his “American Rescue Plan” before $1,400 stimulus… Read more »

Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts will manage debate on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday as the Democratic-led chamber is poised to send a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill to President Joe Biden’s desk. Neal, a Springfield Democrat, chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, which helped lead critical portions of the bill, including $1,400… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- If you have a child under the age of 18 you could soon get a $3,000 tax credit. That's what is proposed under the American Rescue Plan Act, which heads to a final vote Wednesday in Washington, D.C. How do you know if you qualify for the money? If Congress passes this bill, it would raise the amount that parents could get for each child, and parents could… Read more »

To continue providing economic relief to Americans during COVID-19, two House Democrats called on the Internal Revenue Service on Monday to extend the the 2021 tax filing season past April 15. Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal and Oversight Subcommittee Chair Bill Pascrell, Jr. said in a joint statement that at the end of February, the number of returns filed was down… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP/AP) – Most Americans can expect more money in their bank accounts soon, after the Senate passed a new coronavirus relief package over the weekend. The final vote was 50-49 along party lines, with every Republican voting “no.” However, before it can be signed by President Biden, the legislation will have to be passed again by the House because… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal is confident not only that the $1.9 trillion American Rescue plan will pass the House Tuesday for the second time, but that it will pick up a few Republican votes along the way. “We are now on the eve of passing historic legislation as it relates to the pandemic and simultaneously to economic… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The U.S. is one step closer to providing citizens a $1,400 stimulus check as the Senate passes a revised version of the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. The vote on party lines 50 to 49. There are two differences in this bill. The income cap for those who get a stimulus check and less money in weekly unemployment checks. Now the bill has to go back to the House… Read more »