releases: https://visclosky.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/visclosky-update-on-covid-19
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://visclosky.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/visclosky-update-on-covid-19 | Visclosky March 24 Update on COVID-19 | 2020-03-24 | 2020 | 2020-03 | Democrat | House | IN | Peter Visclosky | V000108 | visclosky.house.gov | legacy | I write to provide you with an update on efforts by Congress to address the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. I recognize that the situation we face is unique and unprecedented in our lifetimes, but you should know that I remain dedicated alongside other solution-oriented Members of Congress, our Governor, and local stakeholders to do our very best to support workers, small businesses, and our region. In response to this situation, I believe that Congress must continue to act to support statesand local communities as they seek to bolster their public-health response capabilities. That is why I supported the passage of P.L. 116-123, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. This law provides $8.3 billion in new emergency funding to aid federal, state, and local agencies in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, including $500 million specifically for the purpose of procuring new personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other necessary medical supplies for our health-care workers. P.L. 116-123 also includes $1 billion to expand the availability of Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Under this program, small businesses may apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Information on how to apply is enclosed. Additionally, I believe that Congress must take strong action to prioritize the health and financial needs of American families and workers as we seek to collectively address this pandemic. That is why I also supported the recent passage of P.L. 116-127, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Among other provisions, this law mandates that, through 2020, companies of less than 500 employees must provide a combined total of up to 12 weeks of paid family and sick leave to employees who must self-quarantine, care for a quarantined family member, or care for a child when ordinary supervision is unavailable due to COVID-19. The cost of this leave will be reimbursed to businesses by the federal government within three months. More information onthese new leave options are enclosed. Looking forward, it is clear that much more must still be done. That is why House Democrats have introduced H.R. 6379, the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act. Highlights of this $2.5 trillion stimulus package include the following: Bolstering the health-care system Provides over $150 billion to support hospitals, community health centers, and government medical programs as they fight COVID-19. Putting money in the pockets of individuals and families Provides Americans with $1,500 of immediate assistance per individual, up to $7,500 for a family of five. Further expanding paid leave and family medical leave Expands paid sick days and family medical leave to ensure nearly every worker has access to these crucial benefits. Enhancing unemployment compensation Creates new temporary Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation of $600 a week for eligible workers affected by COVID-19. Supporting small businesses Streamlines aid for small businesses and provides more than $500 billion in additional grants and interest-free loans, some with forgivable components. Assisting states and local governments Stabilizes the finances of states and local governments with $200 billion for states and $15 billion for local governments. Standing with America's students Provides nearly $60 billion to schools and universities to help them stabilize their funding and continue operating during the crisis. The legislation also helps current borrowers with their student debt burden. Supplemental information on H.R. 6379 is enclosed, as well as available online at https://appropriations.house.gov. While the House will still have to reconcile differences between its version of the stimulus package and the version that will be finalized by the Senate, be assured that I will fight for the strongest bill possible in order to bring immediate assistance and new equipment to the health-care workers who are tirelessly acting to protect our nation, as well as greater financial relief to American families suffering hardship. As Congress proceeds on this and other efforts, I would encourage you to remain in touch with my office through my website, online at https://visclosky.house.gov, or by phone at 219-795-1844. I hope this information is helpful, despite the circumstances. May you and your family be healthy and safe. We will overcome this crisis together. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |