WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) offered three amendments to the House Rules Committee to improve the flawed $1.9 trillion spending bill that includes COVID-19 relief set forth by House Democrats. The amendments as introduced would:

• Halve $1,000,000,000 in funding for vaccine confidence activities and subsequently establish $500,000,000 in funding for Universal Vaccine Research on COVID-19, Influenza, and other pandemic capable viruses at the National Institute of Health’s Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

• Require the Treasury Department to report on the program integrity of the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as require the Department to verify taxpayer eligibility for the credit using various databases that would help taxpayers receive the value of the credit more quickly.

• Require the Department of Labor and Treasury Department to assist state unemployment agencies in dealing with fraudulent unemployment claims.

“After a year of bipartisan work to pass COVID-19 relief, I am disappointed my Democratic colleagues could not put partisanship aside to allow amendments that would strengthen this flawed legislation. My amendments would combat fraud, ensure individuals can receive relief as quickly as possible, and promote innovative research for a universal vaccine. I urge my Democratic colleagues to come to the negotiation table and work with Republicans to ensure the relief we provide is targeted, protects Americans, and ensures we can successfully recover from the past year of challenges.”

These amendments were not adopted. 

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