Chairs Larsen, DeFazio introduce bill to protect U.S. aviation jobs
by Office of Congressman Rick Larsen | Press Release
Published by: Lynnwood Times
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Payroll Support Program Protection Act, legislation to extend the Payroll Support Program and prevent mass layoffs in U.S. aviation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thousands of frontline aviation employees will lose their jobs if Congress does not extend the Payroll Support Program,” said Chair Larsen. “This bill will provide much-needed relief for aviation workers and local communities that rely on U.S. aviation.”
Rep. Colin Allred, a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and supporter of the bill, has provided strong leadership to protect airline jobs during the pandemic.
“Helping our airline workers in North Texas has been a top priority and with furloughs and layoffs coming,” said Rep. Allred. “I’ve repeatedly made clear to Congressional leadership the need for action. I am glad we’re poised to move forward with our bill and help these workers through this difficult time. The Payroll Support Program helped save tens of thousands of airline jobs and helped to stabilize a vital industry for North Texas and the nation, and this extension will continue that help. I will keep working so that North Texans get the economic relief they need during this pandemic.”
The Payroll Support Program Protection Act (HR.8504) provides $28.8 billion for the Payroll Support Program and extends it through March 31, 2021. The bill includes:
- $25.5 billion for passenger airlines
- $300 million for cargo airlines
- $3 billion for airline contractors
In March, Congress created the Payroll Support Program (PSP) in the CARES Act to keep airline employees on payroll and continue to receive benefits during the pandemic. The bipartisan program, which saved 950,000 airline jobs nationwide, expired on October 1. On Thursday, House Democrats voted to extend the PSP as part of the HEROES Act.
For text of the Payroll Support Program Protection Act, click here.
