Bonamici Statement on Updated COVID-19 Relief Package

Statement

Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici helped the House pass an update to the Heroes Act to provide important relief and assistance during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"As the coronavirus death toll tragically surpasses 200,000 and the pandemic continues to devastate our communities and economy, the American people need relief," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "The House passed critical legislation several months ago to stem the loss of life and blunt the worst effects of the pandemic, but the Senate failed to act. This update to the Heroes Act reflects what our country needs now -- aid for schools, workers, businesses, child care, testing and treatment, and more.

"Oregonians are struggling with record levels of unemployment and financial hardship. Importantly, this update to the Heroes Act includes a second round of $1,200 direct payments and an extension of enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits to put money in the pockets of families and individuals. It also includes funding I fought for to help working families pay for electricity bills and housing, support for our seniors, enhanced testing and tracing resources, and improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program to aid small businesses. Saving our child care system and making it more accessible is also essential to our recovery. I'm grateful this update includes the strong investment I advocated for that will help working families and early childhood educators. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to immediately pass this relief package. Our communities cannot wait any longer."

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