Rich Neal: “Let me proceed with acknowledging that this legislation had many crucial elements that were developed and constructed by…”

“Let me proceed with acknowledging that this legislation had many crucial elements that were developed and constructed by the Committee on Ways and Means on a bipartisan basis. We expanded on unemployment insurance. We provided an additional supplement of $300 a week. We expanded the retention tax credit, which was very important. We maintained and expanded the EITC and the child credit. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Donna Shalala, because perhaps one of the most important elements in this successful piece of legislation was addressing surprise medical billing. She supported my position on this from day one, and she couldn't have been more earnest. She has been a terrific Member of this House. We provide direct payments. We provide assistance in terms of tax extenders. We add a really good job on the renewable tax credits as well, and we expand eligibility for a round of checks to include people in mixed-status families. Many of these pieces of legislation people said couldn't happen and, indeed, they did. We addressed those who are most vulnerable. And, the truth is, we also give Joe Biden a chance after January 20, because of the duration of this legislation, to provide what we all know is going to be a plan for additional assistance to members of the American family. Madam Speaker, there are 20 million Americans collecting unemployment insurance right now in America. For people at the lower end of the economic spectrum, this has been cruel and callous.…”