Critics Say $1.9 Trillion COVID Bill Larded With Special-Interest Spending

The U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 6, 2020. Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Buried on page 305 of the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is a provision that awards federal employees with kids as much as $21,000 for each household to stay home.

The “Emergency Federal Employee Leave Fund” provision includes $570 million for government workers who remain home to care for children because their schools haven’t resumed in-class instruction.