Rep. Fudge Supports Passage of Updated Heroes Act

Press Release

Today, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) supported passage of the updated Heroes Act to address the continued public health crisis and provide support to struggling families and essential workers. The legislation addresses needs that have escalated since the House first passed the Heroes Act in May and reflects Democratic good faith during ongoing bipartisan negotiations.

"Four months ago, the House passed the Heroes Act to deal with the pandemic and support workers, students, businesses and struggling families. For 139 days, the Senate has delayed, deflected, and denied a new round of desperately needed relief. Now, 30 million Americans are unemployed, millions of children are going hungry, and more than 210,000 Americans have died. It is long past time for action.

"This compromise solution will put money in people's pockets by restoring federal unemployment benefits and providing another round of stimulus payments. It also supports small businesses, protects our students and teachers, strengthens testing, and provides our state and local governments the funding they need to avoid layoffs and cuts to essential services. I am pleased to see the bill includes several provisions I championed, including a 15 percent increase in the maximum SNAP benefit and provisions from my End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act to ensure vulnerable students can access the nutrition assistance they need during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Heroes Act protects core components of our democracy by providing additional funding for election assistance, census counting operations, and the postal service.

"While imperfect, this bill will help protect lives and livelihoods. It makes good on the House's commitment to finding a compromise. The Senate must meet us halfway and pass this bill now to address the full scale of this health and economic crisis."

For a one-pager on the Heroes Act, click here.

For a section-by-section summary, click here.

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