News List

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Congress has passed a pandemic relief package that is aimed to help American families struggling, as well as resources to vaccinate a nation. Leaders are calling this a major accomplishment as more money comes to struggling businesses. Congress voted on Monday evening to approve a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that promises to accelerate vaccine… Read more »

After both houses of Congress passed a $908 billion COVID-19 stimulus package on Monday night, Massachusetts lawmakers pledged to continue fighting for more aid after President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January. The lawmakers touted Democrats’ efforts to secure, at minimum, direct cash payments to Americans and rental and food assistance in the final… Read more »

Today, following House passage of a legislative package that included extensions of energy-related tax credits, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement underscoring the importance of pro-worker policies accompanying future investments in the green energy sector: “During a time of great uncertainty for the nation, we have advanced a… Read more »

The beer industry, struggling restaurants and federal workers forced into President Trump’s payroll-tax deferral all stand to gain from the year-end congressional agreement reached Sunday. The deal includes tax breaks aimed at supporting the economy during the coronavirus pandemic as well as extensions of popular provisions that were set to expire at the end of the year.… Read more »

(As Prepared for Delivery) After long, intense negotiations, we are finally here today with relief in sight for the American people. This agreement isn’t perfect, but it will offer struggling workers, families, and business with some immediate support. Americans are suffering, wondering how they’ll afford to put food on the table and stay in their homes. Democrats… Read more »

Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts on Monday said the recently-struck COVID-19 stimulus deal is not perfect, but will offer “desperately needed support” to Americans grappling with the economic fallout of the pandemic. “This deal is a good starting point and an important step in the short-term, but more must be done as the pandemic continues to grip the nation… Read more »

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the introduction of bipartisan, bicameral end-of-year legislation: “This agreement isn’t perfect, but it will offer struggling workers, families, and businesses desperately needed support. Americans are suffering, wondering how they’ll afford basics like food,… Read more »

In separate tweets over the weekend, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey all announced they have received the first of two COVID vaccinations. Each tweet was accompanied by a shot of the lawmaker getting vaccinated. All had similarly worded statements of support for the vaccine. Neal, like his Democratic colleagues from the Massachusetts delegation,… Read more »

Surprise medical bills — ones sent to people who receive care outside their insurer’s network, often without knowing it until later — could be headed to arbitration under bipartisan compromise legislation hashed out last week by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and others. “This was a significant breakthrough,” Neal said Monday. “The incentive there… Read more »

Unexpected shortages of food boxes and reduced service from a new U.S. Department of Agriculture contractor have left several Massachusetts food banks and schools scrambling to buy agricultural goods to adequately serve families, according to lawmakers. Massachusetts lawmakers on Monday wrote to USDA to request a meeting after schools and food banks participating in… Read more »