Stimulus check vote result: House of Representatives passes Heroes Act

On Friday 15 May, the US House of Representatives passed the $3 trillion bill known as the ‘Heroes Act’ in order to alleviate the financial struggles of many Americans across the United States. The legislation won the vote by 208-199, which was mainly along party lines although we did see 14 Democrats go against, and one Republican for the bill.

Heroes Act passes House

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (Heroes) Act was put forward by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats and includes provision for a second round of $1,200 checks. It would also increase the maximum stimulus amount paid to households with dependent children to $6,000.

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If it was to get Senate approval it would be an historic aid package, the largest of its type in the country’s history, and the Democrats are hopeful as they watch the unemployment rate also reach historic levels amid the Covid-19 crisis.

However, Republicans, who control the Senate, have already said that this proposal will be ‘dead on arrival’.

"It's more like a liberal Christmas card wish list," Representative Tom Cole said during debate on the bill on Friday. "This bill is going nowhere, and nowhere fast."

Republican leaders in Congress have said more time is needed to gauge the effectiveness of the $3 trillion in aid already enacted into law.

Democrats have argued that Americans desperately need the relief.

"I don’t give a damn about sending a message. I want to send help to those in desperate need," said Representative James McGovern, citing long lines at food pantries around the country.

Highlighting the economic fallout, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of California, the country's most populous state, on Thursday proposed deep government spending cuts and warned of further reductions without more aid from Congress.

"That's the purpose of the federal government - to protect us," he said.

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The White House against the Pelosi project

For his part, the recently installed press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, made it clear that the US president Donald Trump does not agree with this current Democratic project but confirmed that he would be open to discussing a different proposal. There have already been a number of ideas suggested, including a $6,000 opt-in linked to retirement funds.

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