The Senate GOP’s proposal for the next round of pandemic relief legislation, called the HEALS Act, received criticism from Republican senators who voiced concern about the inclusion of close to $2 billion to construct a new FBI headquarters.
The proposal stands for health, economic, assistance, liability protection, and schools. The details of the plan, according to the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) remarks on the Senate floor, include $1,200 direct payments similar to the CARES Act, a sequel to the Payment Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses, more funding for schools, and a liability shield for hospitals, businesses, and other entities. Treatment, testing, and vaccines funding will also be included.
