This week, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition and House leader of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, and Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, to introduce legislation to continue providing additional enhanced emergency unemployment benefits for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the economic crisis it has caused. The Worker Relief and Security Act would ensure that these benefits are available until conditions improve and return closer to pre-crisis levels.

The HEROES Act, which passed the House more than two months ago, was supported by Rep. Kuster and provided crucial additional support for Americans during the COVID-19 crisis, including extending the unemployment benefits. The Senate has refused to hold a vote on this legislation or put forth alternative legislation that would provide the support people need.

“We must prevent a lapse in emergency unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kuster. “The Worker Relief and Security Act would ensure that Americans continue to receive the support they need throughout the health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus. We passed the HEROES Act more than two months ago, and it is deeply disappointing that the Senate has failed to act to support hardworking Americans. Instead, they are allowing these emergency benefits to expire, leaving millions of Americans wondering how they are going to make ends meet. We cannot allow this funding to expire - we must pass this legislation to protect American families, workers, and our economy.”

The Worker Relief and Security Act would extend the $600 weekly federal unemployment compensation benefits through the duration of the COVID-19 public health crisis, provide for unlimited unemployment coverage weeks through January 2021, and then continue providing enhanced compensation and additional coverage weeks determined by national and state total unemployment rates.

Text of the Worker Relief and Security Act is available here with a two-page explainer here.

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