Press Releases

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Introduces Family Crisis Cash Assistance Act 

Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Brian Schatz introduced bicameral legislation to establish a permanent program to deliver effective and timely cash relief to the most vulnerable during a natural disaster or economic crisis. In response, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

“Low-income families are disproportionately burdened during crises in our country. This has been only magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, too often, the slow delivery of government financial relief falls short, causing people to fall deeper into financial distress. This legislation will make sure we have a mechanism for delivering cash relief quickly, before the next crisis upends the lives of countless individuals and families already struggling with financial insecurity. Economic downturns and natural disasters exacerbate struggles such as housing and food insecurity and it is precisely in response to these situations that we need to stand together,” said Congresswoman Moore.

“During a crisis, we need to act fast to help families in real need. By making this process automatic and fair, we can quickly provide direct cash aid to the people who need it most,” said Senator Schatz.

“Our communities were already struggling in the face of this global pandemic when unprecedented wildfires hit and caused even more damage. The situation is nothing short of a crisis—families have lost loved ones, their homes, all of their belongings, and their jobs,” said Merkley. “When people lose everything, their needs are immense, and nobody knows better than they do what is most critical to get back on their feet.  This bill would put cash in families' hands when they need it most to secure food, shelter, and other immediate needs.”

The Family Crisis Cash Assistance Act is supported by Prosperity Now, Economic Security Project, Children’s Defense Fund, the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Children’s HealthWatch, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd - U.S. Provinces, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Young Invincibles, Supporting Our Mothers Initiative LLC, Western Center on Law & Poverty, Global Women’s Strike, Women of Color/Global Women’s Strike, National Welfare and Caregivers Working Group, Every Mother is a Working Mother Network, Payday Men’s Network, Kids Forward, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, and Center for Popular Democracy.

Find more information about the Family Crisis Cash Assistance Act here.