Should Congress provide unemployment benefits for workers affected by Coronavirus?

Labor, Jobs, and Commerce Social Welfare
Coronavirus Worker Relief Act (H.R. 6207)
Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

HR 6207 states that under a declared state of emergency, individuals in the affected areas (wherever the emergency applies; if national, then the affected area is the entire nation) will receive unemployment benefits. The eligibility for benefits are that the individual has experienced at least a week of inability to work as usual due to Coronavirus. This can be because of voluntary reduction in hours due to personal safety and health or issues getting to work because of emergency services (e.g., state of emergency caused your workplace to close). For self-employed individuals, eligibility includes that the individual cannot work because of personal or family crisis due to the Coronavirus. Sponsor: Rep. Derek Kilmer (Democrat, Washington, District 6)
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Opponents say

• At this time, no opposing statements were available specific to H.R. 6207. We will continue to monitor this bill and update comments.

Proponents say

• “As more cases of the novel coronavirus are confirmed in Washington state, the Southwest Washington citizens I represent are already feeling the impact. This is why it’s imperative we have emergency resources to lessen the negative effects on families and workers in coronavirus-impacted communities. I’m joining my colleagues in introducing these two bipartisan bills to offer emergency support to residents who need food and nutrition assistance, unemployment assistance in the event they can’t work, and other crisis management tools.” Source: Rep. Herrera Beutler (Republican, Washington, District 3)
• “Our country is facing a serious health crisis, and Utahns shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheck and protecting their own health. By providing assistance for those unable to work due to the coronavirus, our legislation will ease the financial uncertainty that families in Utah and across the country may face during this time.” Source: Sen. Mitt Romney (Republican, Utah)
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