Rep. Takano Statement on the Passage of $900 Billion COVID-19 Relief Package
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following the passage of H.R. 133, a government funding bill that includes $900 billion in COVID-19 relief.
“As the pandemic rages on, thousands of families in Riverside County, and millions more across the country, have been waiting far too long for more support from the federal government. It is a disgrace that Congressional Republicans blocked the meaningful assistance for families that was included in the House-passed Heroes Act for the past eight months. Today, I voted in favor of the bipartisan $900 billion relief package because Americans are looking for a lifeline to survive this economic crisis.
“I want to make it clear that while this $900 billion bipartisan agreement is significant, it’s far from perfect. As we continue facing an economic recession, Congress needs to do more to help families. $600 in direct payments per person and $300 in weekly enhanced unemployment benefits are urgently needed as unemployment remains high and people can’t afford to pay rent, bills, and other basic necessities – but this will only make a small dent in the financial struggles millions of Americans are facing.
“In addition to direct payments and enhanced federal unemployment benefits, this package also includes billions in funding for nutrition assistance programs, rental assistance, and childcare. Funding these crucial programs will help many families in need. And we were able to secure $284 billion in additional PPP loans for small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat.
“I’m also relieved that after weeks of negotiations, Democrats were able to successfully block Republican efforts to give legal protections to employers who put the health of their workers at risk. We were also able to block Republicans’ attempt to sabotage the Federal Reserve’s ability to respond to this crisis under the Biden Administration – this political effort would’ve jeopardized a robust economic response to the pandemic.
“In the 117th Congress and under a Biden Administration, safe and equitable distribution of a vaccine must be a top priority to crush this virus and get our economy back on track. By including $29 billion for the development of vaccines and vaccine distribution, we will save lives and invest in our nation’s recovery. In the weeks ahead, I will keep fighting for more help for families who desperately need it and ensure that no one is left behind.”
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