Lawmakers Debate New Safeguards, Benefits for Essential Workers

House Democrats used a hearing on “essential workers” to push for passage of labor-focused proposals, including a measure to pay increased benefits to front-line workers who contract Covid-19, while Republicans called for continued efforts to reopen businesses and schools.

Essential workers, such as nurses and grocery store clerks who don’t have the ability to work from home, are being overlooked in a rush to reopen the economy, said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

“We do not all face the risks of the crisis equally,” Maloney said.

Democrats on the panel pressed for ...