The COVID-19 stimulus package that appears headed for passage in Congress falls far short of what’s needed, according to Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.
Wyden said in a conference call with reporters Monday that the direct payments to taxpayers, as well as the enhanced unemployment benefits aren’t big enough to make a meaningful difference to families that are struggling with ongoing expenses.
“Everything I worked on was for a package that was at least twice this size,” he said.
The final version of the bill contains $600 for every adult and child in households earning up to $75,000 a year. The package also include an extra $300 a week in unemployment payments until March.
Lawmakers are expected to sign off on the measure as soon as Monday.