Rep. Takano Statement on House Passage of Interim Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act in the House, a $484 billion relief package that provides funding to support small businesses, to help hospitals and healthcare workers, and to implement a national testing strategy.
“I flew to Washington to cast my vote for this emergency coronavirus relief package because small businesses are in desperate need of support to stay afloat amid this pandemic. I have heard from small business owners in Riverside County who are struggling and who were unable to receive any help after funds allocated for the Paycheck Protection Program ran dry. I have heard from small business owners who applied to access these funds to no avail, and then we learned that big banks prioritized their wealthy and well-connected corporate clients instead of the true small businesses that need our help right now.
“This emergency relief package includes $310 billion in funding to strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program to give more small businesses the ability to apply for these loans. We must hold the big banks accountable for disbursing these loans in a fair and inclusive way. House Democrats are working to ensure that true small businesses – not large, multi-million-dollar corporations – can have access to these funds. This is one of the ways in which Democrats drastically improved this legislation to help the American people.
“In addition to support for small businesses, this relief package includes $75 billion to help hospitals and to ensure that healthcare workers can get the resources they need, including personal protective equipment. We must lookout for the people on the frontlines of this pandemic who are working day in and day out to save lives.
“During these times of uncertainty, the key to reopening our states and our economy will require an effective national testing strategy. This legislation also provides $25 billion in funding for testing, which will be necessary for all Americans to be able to resume our lives. In the meantime, Congress will continue working on a second CARES package to help workers and families make it through this crisis.”
Press Contact
Dayanara Ramirez (202) 225-2305