Far from perfect but a step forward
 |
| By Ann Telnaes, Washington Post |
Earlier
in the day, Langevin spoke on the House floor in support
of the legislation. The relief package passed the House by a vote of 388-5 and
now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.
“Millions
of families, small business owners, and healthcare workers are in dire need of
help as our nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress is answering
their calls with an additional relief package that seeks to ensure public
health and bolster the nation’s economy with targeted support for mom-and-pop
shops, restaurants, and hospitals and medical personnel on the front lines.
The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act also makes a massive investment in testing, which will be critical as communities contemplate how to begin the process of reopening.
The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act also makes a massive investment in testing, which will be critical as communities contemplate how to begin the process of reopening.
“Congress’s action today is particularly important for Rhode Island. Our state is experiencing surging unemployment numbers, and many of our small businesses and healthcare institutions are facing hardship and uncertainty. This ‘Phase 3.5 package’ rightfully replenishes the Small Business Administration’s depleted Paycheck Protection Program that we created last month as part of the CARES Act, but quickly ran out of money due to overwhelming demand. It also authorizes additional funds for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides loans for small businesses to cover costs not included in PPP. These are important lifelines for our local markets, boutiques, and eateries, which make significant contributions to our economy and knit together the fabric of our communities.
“The
health and wellbeing of families is my utmost priority. While Rhode Island
continues to be a leader in testing nationally, we know that risk remains, and
we cannot let up. More testing is necessary across the board and will allow us
to better understand this threat, serve those who have fallen ill, and
ultimately save lives. Thanks to the work of House Democrats, the Paycheck
Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act will finally ensure we have
a national strategy for testing and fund it appropriately.
“I’m
pleased that ‘Phase 3.5’ builds on our previous relief legislation, but
additional support will be needed to help communities across the U.S. weather
one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. With cities and
states facing revenue shortfalls sparked by necessary social distancing and
emergency restrictions, aid for them must be strongly considered as we move
forward. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with my
colleagues Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Cicilline
to ensure Rhode Island gets the help it deserves.”
The
“Phase 3.5” coronavirus relief package, includes:
- $310 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP), with $60 billion allocated for small to mid-size
community-based lenders, banks and credit unions
- $50 billion for Small Business Administration (SBA)
disaster lending, and $10 billion for disaster grants, which will be
accessible to the nation’s farmers
- $75 billion for healthcare providers to help get
critical resources like personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline
workers
- $25
billion to help with a national testing strategy that will increase the
nation’s testing capacity
