WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act of 2020, legislation to secure $2,000 direct payment checks for everyday Americans.

“2020 has been a rough year filled with trials and tribulations, anchored in the fact that America is dealing with a public health crisis and an economic crisis at the same time. Americans need comprehensive financial help to make it through this storm.

For months, House Democrats worked hard to secure increased direct cash payments. We passed the HEROES Act on May 15, but Senate Republicans and the Trump administration did nothing. On October 1, we passed the second version of the HEROES Act and again, Senate Republicans and the Trump administration did nothing. Finally, both sides came together last week and passed a COVID relief bill with $600 direct payments to provide a down payment on assistance to everyday Americans. 

Then, as the bill was being prepared for his signature, President Trump changed his mind and decided to agree with the position of House Democrats that $600 is not enough. Unfortunately, instead of helping get a measure with $2000 direct payment checks through the House with the urgency it required, House Republicans objected. This is the same group that in 2017 increased the deficit by $2 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthy, well-off and well connected.

Today, the House passed the CASH Act to get desperately needed money into the pockets of the American people. Now, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans must choose if they will join us and support this bill to help struggling Americans or if they will continue to be missing in action.”