Congressman Kildee Hosts Listening Session with Working Americans Affected by the COVID-19 Crisis

WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and Member of the Ways and Means Committee, today hosted alistening session with workers whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic and who would benefit from Congress passing another COVID-19 relief bill as cases surge nationwide.

During the Ways and Means listening session, Kildee shared a story from a mid-Michigan library director, highlighting how library workers adapted their services to keep themselves and their patrons safe and meet new demands brought on by the pandemic. Libraries, like many businesses across the country, require additional support or they will be forced to lay off workers.

Six months ago, the House of Representatives passed The Heroes Act, which would provide workers with a second round of direct stimulus payments, extend enhanced federal unemployment benefits and extend emergency paid leave provisions. The Heroes Act would also provide libraries additional assistance through funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services and help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. However, unlike the House, Senate Republicans have failed to pass any COVID-19 aid bills.

"The people who are hurting are represented by Democrats and Republicans. The people who are hurting are in every district across this country. We came together, as Democrats and Republicans, to pass the CARES Act. Now, we need to do it again. It is time to set aside our differences, find common ground and pass a COVID-19 relief bill now. Millions of American workers are counting on us," Congressman Kildee said during the listening session.

This listening session continues Congressman Kildee's support for working Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Kildee hosted a listening sessionto hear directly from Americans who lost the federal $600 unemployment benefit, because Senate Republicans and President Trump failed to act.

A video of Congressman Kildee's remarks today at the listening session can be found here.