New COVID-19 Relief Package Would Expand Benefits for Feds

The House Democrats have released the latest iteration of their COVID-19 relief package, including a provision to expand benefits for federal workers. The bill offers up to 600 hours of paid leave for those who have COVID-19 or are caring for someone who does. This time off can also be applied to parents whose children are learning from home and require supervision. This leave can be used through September 30, 2021.

Furthermore, the House bill would grant federal employees paid leave to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine or to recover from symptoms that occurred due to the vaccination. The bill also increases the partial paid leave cap from 10 weeks to 14 weeks.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said of the bill, “As our nation continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Congress must take bold, urgent action to confront this crisis and show the American people that help is on the way.”

Republicans are unlikely to support the expanded leave measure or moves to provide direct aid to state and local governments. Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said of the new bill, “It’s unfair to the American people to provide an additional 600 hours of paid leave on top of regular paid leave to federal workers. The Democrats’ priorities are incredibly distorted given that many small businesses are struggling and millions of Americans are unemployed.”