In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the House of Representatives passed the largest relief package in U.S. history on Friday.

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act authorizes more than $3 trillion in new spending, including aid to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, as well as additional $1200 payments directly to individuals, up to a total of $6000 per household. It would also expand funding for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, among other measures. Unlike the four previous relief bills, which were created in collaboration with the Senate and the White House, the HEROES Act is solely the creation of House Democrats. It passed the House mostly along party lines, 208-199, with 14 Democrats voting against the bill and 1 Republican in favor.

The House on Friday also implemented an unprecedented rule change allowing remote voting and committee work for the first time ever. The rules change was also opposed by Republicans but passed on a 217-189 vote. House members will be allowed to designate proxies who can vote on their behalf as a measure to allow representatives to continue to work while also maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proxies must be other members of the House, and a given member may only act as proxy for up to ten other members. Once enacted, the rules change will be in place for 45 days, at which time it could be extended if the public health crisis requires.