releases: https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-covid-relief-package-step-forward-more-urgently-needed
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-covid-relief-package-step-forward-more-urgently-needed | Larson: COVID Relief Package is a Step Forward, but More is Urgently Needed | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | CT | John Larson | L000557 | larson.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)voted for thebipartisan COVID relief package and released the following statement: This relief package, while a step forward, should have been passed months ago. House Democrats first passed the Heroes Act in May;at the same time, Majority LeaderMitch McConnellcalled for a pause'and Senate Republicans refused to act until now. More than 315,000 Americans havedied fromCOVID-19.Experts have said if we hadmadealarger investment in testing and tracing, many of these deaths could have been prevented.Millions of Americans are unemployed and many are facing food insecurity.Our state and local governments, including first responders, have been on the frontlines of this pandemicbutare being left out of this relief package.Wecan and we must do more. As I have said before, we cannot get the economy up and running until we conquer the virus.Today's relief package makessignificant investments in,testing and tracing efforts,vaccines and therapeutics, medical suppliesand funding for underserved communities, all of which arecritical to conquering this pandemic. This packageprovides help forthe millions of Americans who are struggling right now.Itstrengthenscritical programs for those who are unemployed by extending and enhancing unemployment insurance and rental assistance. It also offers $600 in direct payments tolow andmoderate incomeAmericans andincludes a $13 billion increase in food assistance programs to help the millions of families facing food insecurity. Thisbillalso includes vital funding for small businesses, including specific funding for arts and cultural programs and smaller businesses whoweren't able to access the initial relief funding. To Stop the Virus and Treat Patients with COVID,the bill includes: Almost $23 billionforvaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and supplies; More than$22 billion for testing,tracing, and containmentto stop the virus from spreading; Additional $3 billion for hospitals, community health centers, physicians and other providers to test, treat and care for COVID patients;and $22 billion to help underserved communities tackle this health crisis. To Helpthose hurt by COVID's Impact on the Economy, the billprovides: Extension offederalunemployment benefits, including benefits for self employed workers,untilMarch 14thandadds $300/week inunemploymentbenefits; Up to $600 per adult and child in direct payments to low and moderate income Americans; Additional $25 billion in rental and utility assistance and an extension the eviction mortarium through January 31; An additional $13 billion in food assistance programs; Additional $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including expanded eligibility for nonprofits, hospitals, local media outlets, and modificationstohelprestaurants, arts and cultural programs, live venues and other small businesses; Additional$20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help smaller businesses; Additional$3.5 billion to resume debt relief paymentsof principal and interest on small business loans guaranteed by SBA; An extension ofcreditfor employers who providepaid family and medical leaveas well asa tax credit foremployerswho offer paid sick leave; Extensionandexpansion ofthe Employee Retention Tax Credit to help employers keep employees on the job during COVID closures or reduced revenue; $10 Billionassistance for child care and child care providers; and, Over $700 million for Connecticut K-12 schools and higher education institutions. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |