(CNN) Mallory Ware feels that Congress has abandoned her, her family and all struggling Americans amid the recession and worsening pandemic. Her mother, who is employed at a hotel nearby, now works only eight hours a week since the pandemic has eviscerated tourism and conferences. "I have a deep love for our country, but I truly feel that we have been failed by its leadership," said Ware, who feels fortunate to have a job at a community development nonprofit group. After months of start-stop negotiations, Congress finally passed a $900 billion relief package on Monday evening. The bill will provide a $300 weekly enhancement to jobless payments for 11 weeks, extend two key pandemic unemployment programs through early spring, send up to $600 in direct payments, renew the eviction moratorium, increase food stamps and other nutrition assistance, and give more aid to struggling small businesses.

Source: The Nation December 23, 2020 03:01 UTC