Biden said he supports a stimulus package like the HEROES Act, the $3 trillion relief package passed by House Democrats in May, that included provisions for enhanced unemployment benefits, a second stimulus check, aid for state and local governments and housing relief. He also noted that sick leave and more money for child care are economic imperatives.
So far, Senate Republicans have not agreed to a bill with such a large price tag. They introduced their own $500 billion “skinny” bill in September, that did not include stimulus checks or enhanced unemployment benefits. The two sides have been negotiating for months but have been unable to come to an agreement.
Economists have also been calling for another robust relief package for months. In his speech, Biden warned that without a deal, more layoffs could be imminent, just as some unemployment benefits are about to lapse.
While further stimulus legislation is at a standstill, many CARES Act relief provisions will expire just after the holidays.
That includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded unemployment benefits to gig workers, independent contractors and freelancers who don’t normally qualify, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides an extra 13 weeks of UI to those who have exhausted their state’s benefits.