ACLU Statement on the HEROES Act

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives today passed a $3 trillion stimulus package intended to mitigate the broad impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate should move swiftly to address the critical civil liberties and civil rights challenges triggered and exacerbated by the pandemic.

The following is a statement from Ronald Newman, national political director of the American Civil Liberties Union:

“The HEROES Act is a step forward towards protecting our collective health and blunting the negative economic and other societal ramifications of COVID-19. The legislation marks progress towards protecting the most fundamental rights of people across the country by: mandating and funding vote by mail and early voting; providing for the release of people held in prisons and jails who are most vulnerable to COVID-19; making testing and treatment available to everyone who needs it, regardless of immigration status, to better protect all of our health; and protecting people from eviction and homelessness, which are acute risks during this crisis, especially within communities of color.

“This legislation is a key part of taking a comprehensive approach to solving the crises our nation faces. The Senate should build on the HEROES Act and protect all people in the United States.”