In the News

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 stimulus checks to most Americans and a major expansion of the Child Tax Credit that could deliver parents at least $3,000 per child.

“The pandemic is driving families deeper and deeper into poverty, and it’s devastating,” Neal said in a recent statement to MassLive. “This money is going to be the difference in a roof over someone’s head or food on their table.”

Lawmakers expect the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to pass on Wednesday. Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law this week, meaning tens of millions of Americans will start to see electronic stimulus payments of at least $1,400 within days.

On top of the stimulus checks, Biden’s plan includes $350 billion to help state and local governments grappling with pandemic-linked budget shortfalls; $130 billion to help schools reopen; more than $50 billion to bolster vaccination and testing efforts; and tens of billions to help small businesses and restaurants hit hard by the pandemic.

Supplemental unemployment insurance of $300 weekly, which was set to expire later this month, will be extended until at least September.

Wednesday’s debate, set to begin after 9 a.m., can be seen on C-SPAN or on the House livestream.