Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement on shielding economic relief payments from private debt collectors:
“The two previous relief payments were shielded from predatory private debt collectors. While Democrats intend to protect the third payment from private debt collectors, Senate rules did not allow us to include that protection in the American Rescue Plan. I will be introducing standalone legislation to ensure families receive their much-needed relief payments. Last year, Democrats and Republicans joined together to shield relief payments, and I would hope that Senate Republicans again support ensuring families receive the $1,400 they need to pay rent and buy groceries."
