Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on House Passage of the HEROES Act

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement on passage of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act in the House of Representatives:

“With each passing day, House Democrats make clear they are combating the real issues the COVID-19 pandemic has put front and center: keeping people healthy, keeping people safe, keeping people employed, and ensuring our economy and our communities, schools, colleges and Postal Service can help Americans weather these twin public health and economic crises. Most importantly, the House, under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has approved a bold plan to offer states, cities and towns the support they need to keep our students engaged, our streets safe, and our communities able to access the services they need. 

“This is a crisis unlike any we’ve ever experienced, and it requires a response unlike any we’ve ever imagined. Thanks to the U.S. House of Representatives for rising to the occasion to meet the needs of the American public as we attempt to recover from the devastation of COVID-19, rebuild and reopen safely. We hope the Senate follows suit.”