U.S. Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Tom Emmer (R-MN) this week sponsored legislation that would prohibit federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds from being used for certain cash-assistance programs.
“I have heard firsthand accounts from countless small business owners who are struggling to find workers to fill their job openings. This massive labor shortage was a preventable problem caused by policies that disincentivize work,” Rep. Stauber said. “Federal dollars cannot be going towards programs that will only exacerbate this problem.”
The congressman added that it’s past time for America to fully reopen its economy and get people back to work. “I will not sit by as Democrats across the nation continue to pay able-bodied people with our taxpayer dollars not to work,” he said.
Rep. Stauber introduced the Stop Disincentivizing Work Act, H.R. 6554, alongside three original cosponsors, including Rep. Emmer, to prevent pandemic relief funding from being used to create what his office referred to as long-term government handout programs in a Feb. 2 statement.
“Our nation is already facing workforce and inflation crises triggered by Democrats’ spending sprees,” Rep. Emmer said. “The American people deserve the freedom to live independently and the opportunity to thrive.”
If enacted, H.R. 6554 funding authorized by the following pieces of legislation would be prohibited from being used for guaranteed basic income to individuals or households: the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act; the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; the CARES Act; the Consolidated Appropriations Act; and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, according to the text of the bill.
H.R. 6554 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee.