REPRESENTATIVE Ilhan Omar has rolled out a plan to cancel rent and mortgage payments during the coronavirus crisis.
The bill would relieve all Americans from the payments, regardless of their income.
The legislation, which aims to help residents through one calendar month after the end of the pandemic, was unveiled on Friday.
Omar's Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act would also establish a relief fund for landlords and mortgage holders who are losing out on the payments.
For renters and homeowners, there would be no debt accumulation and the cancellations would not impact their credit rating or rental history.
And those landlords or mortgage companies that decide to take action against their tenants could face a fine.
The fines would start at $5,000 for a first violation, but could be up to $50,000 for third and additional violations.
In a statement, Omar said: “The coronavirus crisis is more than just a public health crisis—it’s an economic crisis.
"We must take major action to protect the health and economic security of the most vulnerable, including the millions of Americans currently at risk of housing instability and homelessness.
"Congress has a responsibility to step in to stabilize both local communities and the housing market during this time of uncertainty and crisis.
"In 2008, we bailed out Wall Street. This time, it’s time to bail out the American people who are suffering."
The Minnesota rep also took to Twitter on Sunday, writing: "Housing is a human right. Pass it on."
The current coronavirus death toll in the US is 39,015.
The total number of confirmed cases is currently 738,923.
However, at least 68,285 people have recovered from the deadly disease.
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