Neal: Ways and Means to focus on $1.9 trillion relief package this week U.S. REP. RICHARD NEAL, D-Springfield U.S. Rep Richard Neal, right, recently visited Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont. Neal has announced a hopeful timeline for enacting the federal government’s $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package before existing benefits expire in March. Staff Photo/Paul Franz Published: 2/9/2021 7:29:36 PM U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, has announced a hopeful timeline for enacting the federal government’s $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package before existing benefits expire in March. The House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means, which Neal chairs, will be responsible for writing the bills that cover $940 billion of the total $1.9 trillion package that is being advanced by President Joe Biden.