Media Center

Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) voted to pass H.R. 6800, The Heroes Act, to provide critical relief addressing the public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our communities, workers and families need help now to survive the coronavirus crisis,” said Congressman Scott.  “We cannot hesitate while so many families in our communities are struggling or while many of our frontline heroes are at risk of losing their jobs as they risk their lives to care for us.  We have a responsibility to do what is necessary now to protect the health and well-being of all of our communities.  The Heroes Act protects Georgia families and ensures all of our frontline heroes have the support they need to continue to save lives and keep our communities safe and healthy. I urge the Senate to swiftly take up and pass this legislation.”

The Heroes Act would provide Georgia and local communities on the frontlines of this crisis with desperately needed funding to cover coronavirus-related outlays and pay our health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other vital workers who keep us safe.  The Congressional Research Service estimates that $1.7 billion in direct funding would be allocated under the Heroes Act for the following Thirteenth District cities and counties:

Additionally, the Heroes Act:

• Establishes a $200 billion Heroes’ fund to ensure essential workers across the country receive hazard pay.  
• Includes Congressman Scott's legislative proposal to establish a $75 billion Homeowner Assistance Fund to offer relief to consumers and prevent foreclosures by providing direct assistance for mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, utilities, and other housing-related costs.
• Delivers $175 billion to help renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments and other housing-related costs.
• Commits another $75 billion for COVID-19 testing, tracing and treatment.
• Puts money in the pockets of workers with a second round of direct payments to families up to $6,000 per household and by extending weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January.
• Supports small businesses by providing $10 billion for COVID-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
• Increases the maximum SNAP benefit by 15% and allocates additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.