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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
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speech of
HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 27, 2020
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, as of the time of this debate, there are
6,876 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. And tragically 81
individuals in our state have lost their lives. These are friends,
family and loved ones. This virus has touched each and every one of us.
I grieve for all the lives lost and for those who are fighting tooth
and nail to beat this nasty virus. Our front lines are staffed with
brave first responders and health care workers doing their best to help
those impacted. Across my state, we are hard at work making sure those
who need a test are getting tested and we have expanded bed capacity to
care for those in need. The coming weeks will be hard for all. And I
remain ready and willing to do everything I can for our state and
country.
I rise today because I support the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security (CARES) Act because it provides immediate and needed
assistance for workers, families, small businesses and hospitals across
our country weathering the COVID-19 crisis. Democrats stood strong
against the partisan, corporate-focused bail out prioritized by Senate
Republicans. Through tough negotiations, we secured payments of as much
as $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $500 per child. Democrats also
secured expanded unemployment insurance for any worker affected by
COVID-19, including an additional $600 a week in additional and
expanded benefits and protections for self-employed and nonprofits. And
we guaranteed inclusion of $150 billion to help states and territories
respond to this crisis. After I led a letter signed by over 100 members
of Congress, first responders will receive nearly $1 billion in federal
assistance to help purchase needed personal protective equipment. Our
hospitals and providers, who stand on the frontlines of this pandemic,
will receive $100 billion in funding to reimburse for COVID-19 related
costs. This was a top priority for our state's delegation, which stood
united demanding this relief. But I know it is not enough. I will keep
fighting for more aid for our first responders, for our hurting small
business owners, and for the millions of Americans being pummeled by
this terrible time.
Like millions of Americans across the country, I am practicing safe
social distancing measures by working from home. I am connecting
everyday with my constituents and local, state, and federal officials
making sure New Jersey's voice is being represented and our needs are
being met. I support this relief legislation for our nation. Talk has
already begun about what to do next, and I am fully focused on making
sure New Jersey gets its due.
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